Following in the Father’s footsteps
INTRODUCTION
There once was a young Prince. He was the eldest son of the King, and the heir of the throne. This young Prince knew that one day he would take over the kingdom, he would rule the land. He wanted to do the best job that he could, he wanted to show the people that he was like his well loved father and that one day he would rule with respect and honor to his people.
To accomplish this the Prince would follow his father around. He would watch him as he addressed his people, how he related to those under him. He wanted to know how to conduct meetings, how to make speeches and how to be the best example for the people who watched him. The prince wanted to be just like his father, because he was a good and fair ruler. He knew that if he watched him, that if he learned everything that he did then he one day would be a great example to his people.
Just like the Prince we must follow God so we can be like Him.
Point 1 – When we follow the Heavenly Father we will learn His ways
Mark 1:16-20
16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.
19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Ill. #1 – I am my father’s Daughter
I followed my dad around all the time. If I could go to meetings with him I would. When he would arrive home from business trips I had to know everything. I was a part of my church plant in every way possible. I would go and help set up, do sound, run power point, play and sing on the worship team, run jr. church and nursery and lead youth group. I did all of this because I wanted to be just like my dad, and to spend time with him. No matter what he did, inside and outside of the church I had to be a part of it. We worked on cars together, we went for drives and designed church buildings and dreamed huge together. Some parents want to live vicariously through their children; I always wanted to live vicariously through my dad’s life. To do all of the things he did growing up. I wanted to be just like my daddy.
So the first step in Following in our Father’s Footsteps is to take the step towards Him, to drop our old lives and to follow in His life. Just as the disciples left their nets behind and followed Jesus, we must be able to leave our pasts and start the journey. By doing this we will learn everything that there is in how we should live in God’s eyes.
Point 2 – When we follow the Father we will do His ways
Acts 3:1-8
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Ill. #2 I became my father’s protégé
Then it happened. I was allowed to preach in my church. My biggest dream was coming true. My father’s preaching is my utmost favorite. And I wanted to measure up to a man who had been preaching for 25 years. This was terrifying, and exhilarating all at the same time. My first sermon was a little over fifteen minutes long, or at least it was when I practiced it. I sped through that sermon in eleven minutes flat. I was so disappointed in myself. But with time and practice I preached again and this time it was a twenty minute sermon After the service people were coming up to me and telling me that the apple does not fall far from the tree, and that I preach just like my father. This was the biggest complement I have ever received.
After we have followed in our Fathers Footsteps we will have learned how He walks. We will begin to walk like our Father, and do His ways. Sometimes we will try our best to measure up to God’s footsteps and we fall short. But God does not expect us to fill his footprints right away. He allows us to keep trying, to keep walking with Him. John and Peter were able to heal the cripple man, because they had watched Jesus do it many times, they knew that they could as well.
POINT 3 – When we follow the Father, others will follow His ways
Acts 2:38-42
38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Ill. #3 – Braveheart
In the movie Braveheart, William Wallace learns fighting tactics from his uncle after his father is killed in battle. Wallace learns skills that are not always physical but also intellectual. Later in the movie Wallace is now leading an army against an entire country. He is leading the men into battle and the only reason they follow is because of the reputation of Wallace.
For three years Jesus walked with the disciples and taught them the Father’s ways. And now not only are they doing His ways, they are leading others in the ways. I can just imagine it now, Jesus is sitting with the Father watching the disciples, he turns and looks at the Father and says, “I just love it when a plan comes together.” As we do the Father’s Work others will see it and wish to do the same. Just as the Scottish men followed Wallace into war because of his reputation, we need to be able to lead people to Christ because of our reputation. Many people will see that our lives are a reflection of love and forgiveness and these are qualities that will be noticed in today’s world.
CONCLUSION
Many years later the Prince was being crowned with his new standing as King over his country. He lead in the ways of his father. He made sure his people knew that he cared for them and the people loved him. They watched him and knew that if the King could love those less then him, then so could they. The nation was one of love and caring, all because of a leader who watched and followed his Father.
Now we as Christians can do the same as the Prince, as the disciples and as Jesus Himself. If we walk in the ways of the Father not only will we learn His ways, others will too, which fulfills our purpose here on Earth.
Matthew 28:16-20
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
