|
Following the Footsteps of Jesus
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.”
--Peter 2:21
While traveling along the Pacific Oregon Coast, I had several opportunities to walk on the sandy beaches. Rocks of tremendous size make the Northern Pacific Coast different from many other places. The rocks scattered along the beach water interface. The waves go over and around them to smooth the sand making the beach look like an ecru carpet.
As I walked along the beach, there were dozens of different footprints going north and south along the sand. The waves regularly washed them away leaving a clean slate just as another person stepped in the sand. It reminded me of an old gospel hymn, Footsteps of Jesus, written by Mary B.C. Slade. The refrain of the hymn is “Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow. We will follow the steps of Jesus where ‘ere they go.”
Mary Bridges Canedy Slade was a prolific Christian writer in the mid-1800’s. She wrote poetry, songs, Sunday School lessons, dialogues, and primary school lessons. She was editor of an educational journal as well The Children’s Hour. Her passion and her strong Christian beliefs led to story-type gospel hymns such as Footsteps of Jesus,” written 1871.
The verses of the hymn described the various paths of a perilous journey following Jesus; dark mountain areas seeking the lost sheep, beside the pooling waters helping the infirm, in the Temple teaching God’s Word, and in homes helping feed the hungry or thirsty.
Exactly the expectations First Peter bids us do as his followers. As I walked the beach, I thought of how often each day our footsteps pass by people in need, people who are hungry or in trouble. We stand ready to reach out and help; and as we lend a hand, others follow us in helping. As one footstep fades, another takes its place.
Spreading the word of the needs is another important responsibility we have so that as one person tires, another takes their place, making sure there are always footprints in the sand following the glowing footsteps of Christ.
Lord, guide us as we try to reach out and meet the needs of others. Give us the voices and the right words to name the needs and increase the footsteps in the sand. In Your Son’s name we pray. Amen
Florence Higgins
McCurdy Board of Trustees
From Raton, New Mexico
| 
