Ross

Recently I heard a story that spoke so much to me about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. There was once a family of five: mum, dad, their oldest son Ross and his two younger sisters. They were a close and loving family, and the dad was teaching his children what it meant to be responsible for one another and to trust each other. One day, as his children were about to set off on a bike ride together, the dad said to his girls, in front of their big brother Ross: “Do as Ross says and let him take care of you.”

It struck me that this is exactly the words that our heavenly Father might use to call us to follow Jesus. We too are to do as Jesus says (obedience) and to let Him take care of us (trust).

For the girls in the family, their part was to do as their big brother said. Depending on their ongoing relationship with him that might have been a tall order. But, in return, Ross had the responsibility of ensuring that his two younger sisters were kept safe. Again, that might not have been easy. They each had to trust the other to do what their father had asked. He knew his children so well. He knew their characters and their relationships. When he had empowered them, he had faith that they could do this safely and would have a lovely time together.

In the past few weeks, Psalm 23 has become incredibly dear to me as I have allowed its truths to seek deeply into my spirit. Just as in the story of Ross and his family, this psalm calls us both to obedience and trust. Firstly, I must obey and follow the shepherd’s lead. And secondly, as I do so, I am called to trust that He will protect me, even when I go through the most terrible and dangerous ordeals (‘even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death’, (Psalm 23:4).

I don’t know the details of how it turned out for Ross and his sisters on their mini adventure, but I do know that the very best way that I can live out my life is to do as Jesus says and let Him take care of me.