I have often sung gleefully in church during the congregational hymn “Where you lead me, I will follow”, but I never really thought about each word of confession I was reciting absentmindedly.
The unison of voices and the melodies of the keyboard all make the hymn so sweet that I pay less attention to the lyrics. And I have sung this song countless times in many years!
But today in Loti Village, I remembered that old hymn, not because of its melody but because of its lyrics on the backdrop of the reality that was playing before my eyes.
If God led you to serve Him there, you’d not sing that hymn the same way because it wouldn’t be a song anymore. There is nothing desirable or modern about this place. It’s only a person who has died that can live here—died to self, not concerned about comfort or discomfort, someone who puts the will of God first and only on the list.
“No toilet facility!”
“I’d bathe at the stream?”
I exclaimed when the missionary mentioned it. How am I supposed to clean up myself? I have used all kinds of bathrooms, but now, there’s no even bathroom at all. If I’m having bowel movements, I’d better quickly get a nylon or something to drop it into and do what they call “shot-put”.
Just imagine. I wasn’t even thinking first about the souls. I wasn’t considering who God wants to save or help through my presence there. It was my comfort that first hit my consciousness.
Self.
Self.
Self!
I began to question all the confessions I’d made to Jesus. I don’t think I was serious when I was reciting those words. Jesus forgive me.
Let’s say He leads me there, I can follow for a day. Maybe two. But one month, one year, three years, or “Till I lead you elsewhere…” I’m not sure!
I would whine. I would list out all the reasonable excuses why relocating to live in such a remote area, cut off from civilization—is not possible.
I can’t communicate with people outside. No electricity. No running water. No shops. No healthcare. I can’t eat what I crave. No family. No…
Ahhhh!
But the locales, the children, youths, and adults who have not heard about Jesus, those who need someone to hold their hands and lead them in this life of Christ—who will stay with them? Who will do it?
Not only Loti Villagers now. The many other tribes, groups, villages and territories all over the world, as sheep scattered without a shepherd, impoverished not only in physical things but also in the soul.
Somebody has to do it. Somebody has to make that sacrifice.
Who will be that somebody?
That somebody has to:
—Deny himself and follow Jesus.
—Love not his life unto death.
—Have full faith in God and nothing else.
When all these have been settled, there is no instruction too hard to obey, no demand too much to fulfill, no place too difficult to step into, no obedience too hard.
Obedience does not consider convenience.
Are you still singing, “Where you lead me, I will follow?”
Then mean what you sing! And be ready for His demands.
