I’m presently reading a book that is having an amazing influence in my life. The title is “Walk With Me”, by Hal Perkins. Let me share with you a paragraph or two from the book…
Jesus’ disciples needed access to Him just as a child needs his or her parents.
I need this kind of access to Jesus. I have it by the way of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus guaranteed would guide me into all truth (John 16:13). Further, I have the Bible, God’s written words and love letter to me. However, I truly need Jesus in the flesh to help me. I need someone to dialogue with me about Jesus, His Word, His will, my blind spots, ideas, attitudes, motives, emotions, reactions, truth, faith, love, success, pride, fear, failures, questions, confusion, discouragement, and so on. I need mature disciples of Jesus who know me well, love me anyhow, and care enough to help me know and follow Jesus. (Page 43)
At this point in my life (67 years old), I can tell you that although there have been such persons which I have observed, the overwhelming majority of us do not fit the bill (Jesus in the flesh). Perhaps the main reason has been and remains, not being like Jesus. Before I am anything else, I must be first of all a follower (disciple) of Jesus. For me this means, before my being a husband, father, son, brother, grandpa, friend, neighbor, pastor, chaplain or anything else…I must first of all be a follower of Jesus Christ!
