I was joining a couple in matrimony, and, as always, I enjoyed asking them if they had a special piece of scripture that they wanted me to use for the message from the Word.

The bride remembered that both her grandfather and her dad had given her a handwritten copy of Psalm 23. It meant very much to her, especially since her dad had passed away earlier that year and wouldn’t be with her on her special day.

Grandpa was there and I asked him to read Psalm 23 to the couple. What a special moment between grandfather and granddaughter. What a privilege to have a grandfather do this at his grandchild’s wedding!

This psalm is actually very suited to a young couple. There are so many things they have to remember to build a healthy marriage. Many difficult seasons lie ahead and everyone has their own way of coping with this. Success is not always guaranteed and a manual is not found around every corner.

In Psalm 23 the sheep have to face many dangers. They don’t have the tools to cope with the wild world, He will protect them. He will lead them to lush green meadows. He will help them to quiet pools to drink from.

That’s why they follow him.

This was the same message that God had for His two children being married there. Follow me. Follow me and I will help you through the dangers of life, and I will help you have a successful married life.

I will help you enjoy each other. I will help you serve one another in difficult circumstances. When the world wants to drive you apart, I will help you grow closer together. You just have to follow Me.

In conclusion, I told them there are so many things to remember that I wanted to give them just one word to remember and that word is “follow” – we have to follow the Shepherd.

²⁰… Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd, up and alive from the dead …

To follow the Shepherd means sacrificing, loving and giving, all things we have to one another in a marriage. When we follow the Shepherd, we will give our spouse sacrificing love at all times. When emotions run high, we must simply say the word “follow” and give one another space to cool down. Then you will soon be ready to give sacrificing love again.

This does not only apply to marriage, but at work or in the business as well, or when we want to argue with a stranger in a queue or maybe at the till. Then the word “follow” must pop into our thoughts. We must follow the way Jesus did things. Then our sacrificing love will come into action and we will be able to share Jesus’ love, because that person deserves it as little as we do.

Remember to lead a “follow” life.

Scripture
Hebrews 13:18-25

Reflection
Do you follow Jesus?
Where do you struggle with leading a “follower” life?
What must you do to correct it?

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being my Shepherd. Thank you that I can know that You will do everything to protect me. Thank you also for guiding me through life. Help me lead a “follower” life in all circumstances. Amen.