The time in which we are living (with the current restrictions placed upon society because of COVID-19) has indeed placed numerous challenges before us. With limited access to be out in public and with the temporary closure of many businesses we have more time for personal study of and reflection upon God’s Word. Whether or not we avail ourselves of the opportunity to spend our time in such a blessed endeavor is up to us – but the vital nature of using our time in that way should not be lost among the days that almost seem to meld into each other. Personally, it seems more and more difficult to just remember which day of the week it is.
While there are several Greek words for “follow” that are used in the New Testament, I want to share some comments from the EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF BIBLE WORDS, edited by Stephen D. Renn, and then share some thoughts of my own.
“There is a great deal of similarity between the Hebrew and Greek vocabulary for “follow (after).” In both Testaments, the ideal of devoting oneself to God and the pursuit of holy and righteous living is held up as being of first importance. Following after Yahweh under the old covenant involved the godly Israelite or Gentile convert in wholehearted submission to the law of the covenant. In the new covenant, the pursuit of holiness lies in gaining and ever-increasing Christ-likeness through dependence upon the Spirit of God.” [May I add that dependence upon the Spirit of God necessarily involves following what is found in the Word of God which is, according the “Sword of the Spirit” – Eph. 6:17 (Jim)] “The negative corollary to this pattern involves recognizing the dire consequences of “following after” pagan deities in the old covenant age, which let to severe punishment at the hands of Yahweh. Similar apostasy under the new covenant will lead to a far worse judgment, since it involves willful rebellion against the very Son of God, the supreme manifestation of divine saving grace.” (398, 399)
Within the scope of the words translated “follow” there are individuals who follow out of curiosity (cf. Matt. 4:23-25; 8:1; John 1:35-40); those who followed out of a commitment to what they saw and heard in Jesus which might also have initially involved curiosity (cf. Matt. 4:19, 20; Mk. 2:14) and/or who followed in response to commanding statements of Jesus Himself (Matt. 18:38; 16:24; 25; etc.). For each Christian, all three of these elements are typically involved in how we became a Christian as well as what keeps us learning and applying more of God’s Word into our life. Our physical separation from one another during this pandemic where we cannot gather together as a spiritual family creates both difficulties and an emptiness as we cannot fellowship with those of “like precious faith” as we are used to doing.
Keep your faith strong during these days of a seclusion from other Christians! Continue to spend more and more time reading, studying, and reflecting on Scripture. Reach out to one another via phone or internet (or even with cards of encouragement). Keep one another in your prayers. Encourage whomever you can whenever you can and still look for opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ with those around you. Thanks to each one who has been able to watch the videos lessons we have started posting on YouTube. If you have not yet seen those, search for – Cherokee Hills Church of Christ on YouTube from your computer or smart phone. Stay safe, stay strong, and my God blessings be upon each of you! (Jim)