Follow Me?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said.
Besides, it is really hot
and that preacher has worked hard every night
and noone has come forward.
And, it is the right thing to do and I'm one of the last hold-outs in my class.
Plus, I have figured out by counting the tiles on the floor that
it is only about fifteen feet to salvation.

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said.
It really isn't that hard as long as we both agree to certain terms:
You get Sundays and Wednesday nights (see clause concerning athletic events) and
I will take care of the rest of the week.
And I will always be at the right place on your days
if you will promise not to be to obvious on my days, and please,
don't ask about Saturday nights at all.

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Of Course I will, I said.
Especially now that I know how much you need me.
We have a world to save and I am so glad to be here
for such a time as this. Finally, we are (oops, I mean have) the answer!
But wouldn't it be more practical if you followed us for a while?
All I really need is your endorsement.

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said. But I am a little disillusioned.
Can't we just stay here? The world is a very big place
and I have an office now with a growing library (all about you, of course)
from which I can prepare sermons that will make us both look good.
FYI Jesus, CBD has great bargains!
Oh, and as a good steward, is it to early to start planning for retirement?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Again? I asked.
Things are not at all like I thought they would be. I am not at all like
I thought I would be. Nothing is like I thought it would be.
Who really are you anyway?
I will follow-and I do deeply appreciate the invitation,
but I have some questions to ask along the way (humbly of course).

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said.
But what do you really mean when you say that? And are those words
found in all the synoptics?
Can I really trust that those are your words and not the words
of the mythical Jesus? How much is lost in translation?
Give me just a minute to check some other authorities.
Can I get back to you?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said, but I would prefer to worship you.
After all this time going to church finally feels good.
And who knew that experiencing you was simply a matter of changing
worship styles?
Or perhaps you finally caught up with technology.
Whatever, it is good for us to be here. What's the plan for next week?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
No, I said.
The feelings didn't last. And as I think about it, what have I got out of all this?
How can I be sure all I have done for you was worth it? What have we really
accomplished?
Your bride is still in need of an extreme makeover, and you are looking pretty worn yourself.
What guarantee do I have you will be there in the end, which seems to be approaching faster
all the time?
The only thing I know for sure is what I know right now.
Hey, who is the victim here?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Are you kidding? I whispered. Do you never give up?
I can't. I don't know how. I have done more harm
following you than good.
I am a toxin in your body.
You know me, and you still call me to follow?
I am an arrogant coward, a ridiculous paradox,
Wouldn't it be better to leave me alone with what remains,
and avoid the embarassment?

Jesus said: Follow Me.
Ok, I said.
I will try. Will you stay close? I am afraid, not of you,
but of me. Are you sure this is what you want?
Because, I would like to try again.
And is it really that simple, after all? To listen for
your words and do them...and in that I will
know what I can't comprehend?
Deny myself?
Thank you, I would love to.

Jesus says: Follow Me.
For how long, I ask?
Just for today, He tells me.
Ok.