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In a recent reflection, Pastor Cleddie Keith shared a meditation on the word "follow," particularly focusing on the Christian scripture where Jesus commands this of his disciples. Across several Bible verses, this term indicates a call to discipleship and transformation. Pastor Keith stated, "What does it mean when Jesus says, 'follow me?' When Jesus says, 'Follow me,' it's far more than a simple invitation to walk behind Him." He elaborated that it means aligning one's life with the teachings of Jesus and signifies a reshaping of priorities and identity.
Pastor Keith also referenced instances from the Old and New Testaments to support the importance of "follow" in the religious context. He noted that in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for follow is "halak," used in the context of obeying God's commandments. Meanwhile, the New Testament Greek term "akoloutheo" emphasizes following in both physical and spiritual commitment to Jesus' mission. In this context, Jesus' call to discipleship often involves leaving behind previous lifestyles and enduring hardships.
His insight extends to the famous Psalm 23, which characterizes God as a shepherd. Keith noted, "How many times have you read, PSALMS 23? Let me look with you at verse 6 one more time… 'Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me.'" He described the Hebrew word for "follow" as aggressive, implying an active pursuit rather than passive trailing. "God's goodness doesn't just follow along after us at a casual pace," Keith explained, "We are being pursued and chased, with intention."
This analysis prompts a deeper understanding of biblical teachings about God's pursuit of believers with intentionality and care.
