Is Jesus in the Driver’s Seat?

“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4)

Often we treat Jesus as a tag-along as we rush about our day’s activities. “Run with me, Jesus,” we say. “Empower me. Give me ideas on how to do this better. Bless me. Bless my family.” We want Him to be good company, sitting beside us, not saying much. But is this what the Christian life is all about?

Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” Notice, who is taking the lead. Who is driving the car? Sometimes following Jesus involves leaving the familiar and taking risks.

I’m reminded of Levi, the tax collector. As Jesus walked by his booth, He said, “Follow me.” Levi could have said, “What do you mean? This is my livelihood.” But no, he got up–left his comfort zone– and followed Jesus into the unknown (Mark 2:14). Levi became a disciple of Jesus and later wrote the book of Matthew.

“Come, follow me” is Jesus’ way of calling us to new life. He wants to take us out of our cramped selfish lifestyle into his glorious freedom. He wants to take us to heights and depths we’ve never known. When we follow Jesus our focus will be upward and outward–away from ourselves.

How do we make this practical?

1. Read God’s word so you’ll get to know His voice.
2. Prayerfully write out what you feel is God’s specific plan for you–your life goals.
3. Listen carefully to how He wants to use you today.
4. Be totally dependent upon God to empower you and use you. It is the Spirit of God in us that empowers us to be and do all that Christ has called us to be and do.

Lord Jesus, I want You to control my life. Show me what You want to accomplish through my life today. I want to be about my Father’s business. (Luke 2:49) Amen.

Question: Which of the practical steps listed above struck you as being the most difficult when you read it, and why?