In His Steps

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2: 21 NIV

In the early 20th century, Charles Sheldon wrote a book, In His Steps. It is considered a classic and continues to be a best-seller . The story involves a pastor and some of his people who decide to ask the question “What would Jesus do?” They then made the commitment to walk “in His steps” for a full year.

Charles Sheldon drew inspiration for his novel from 1 Peter 2: 21, To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. He understood that the Lord Jesus Christ is our example and that our calling as Christians is to walk as He walked.

In May, 2010, I had the privilege of making my first trip to Israel. During the trip our group visited Bethsaida, an archeological site undergoing continued excavation. One section of the excavation offered us the opportunity to walk a stone pathway certified as first century. It sits right at the opening of the gate to the city, meaning that anyone who entered the city had to walk this path. Both archeologists and biblical scholars agree that Jesus certainly would have walked on the stones our group encountered. I literally walked in Jesus’ steps!

That experience is unforgettable. In fact, I use a picture of those stones as the wallpaper for my computer. They are the first things I see when I turn on my computer each day. Another experience is even more unforgettable. In July, 1962, I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. I became His follower, and I received the instruction to “walk in His steps.” The steps I am to follow are not stones in Bethsaida. Rather, they are the teachings He gives us in the gospels. I am to live as He lived in obedience to His Father.

All of us who follow Jesus have the same responsibility. We are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. We are to live out the simple instructions of the Sermon on the Mount, no matter how difficult doing so may seem . By the transforming work of God’s Spirit, Jesus calls us to live out His character, to love as He loved. Peter had it right! Jesus left us the example, and we’re to follow “in His steps.” Rev. John Strain is a contributor for Real Victory Real Life Volumes 1 & 2 and speaks frequently at the Colony of Mercy Chapel.

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 6384-6410).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 1-8

Think About This:The best part of the race is the finish. Keep your focus, determination, and integrity so you finish well!

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24