While we were in Philly this week the wonderful man who takes care of our dog took her to the Disneyland of the dog world. He took her to Petco. What an amazing place filled with so many new smells. There were birds, reptiles, ferrets and fish. It filled her with wonder and gave her a whole new repertoire of things to dream about. Now I have a problem. What can I do to top that? It is a hard act to follow.
Many years ago I was given the privilege of becoming the senior pastor where the former senior pastor was one of the world’s premier preachers. No one in their right mind except an egotist would say yes to that offer. Fortunately for me the pastoral search process took over a year. By the time I arrived the congregation was ready for almost anything. It was a hard act to follow but people’s memories fade.
There is an interesting story in Matthew about a rich young man coming to Jesus and then leaving. The story says his departure was filled with sorrow. It is no wonder. Once you really know Jesus, His care and His love, there is no good act to follow. Jesus is not just a hard act to follow. He is an impossible act to follow. Who would sanely give up a life of grace for a life of works with all its insecurities? Who would sanely say, “No thanks Jesus. I’ll do it on my own.”
While it is true there are many acts in life that are hard to follow, when it comes to Jesus there is no act that can follow. All that could possibly follow would be insanity.
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 14, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org