By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
By the time my husband and I met Jay in-person, it felt like we already knew him. Each time we saw him walking his elderly dog (Cubby) through the neighborhood, I was inspired by their bond. I even wrote a couple of devotions about them: Puppy Love and The Rest of the Story.
Not only did Jay display the character of Jesus on his walks with Cubby (gentle, loving, and patient), he even looked like Jesus physically: shoulder length hair, pointy beard, and piercing eyes. One day I commented on Jay’s Jesus-like features when we were talking. He just smiled and said, “I hear that a lot.”
After Cubby died, Jay went through a long period of mourning. After all, Cubby was more than a pet; he was family. The thought of getting another pup after Cubby died was far from Jay’s mind. He needed time to heal.
But after more than a year, we noticed Jay walking past our house with a new dog. Buddy looked like a younger, slightly smaller version of Cubby. (No wonder Jay decided to adopt him.) Jay learned that Buddy had been abandoned, and after several attempts to find his owner, Jay gave Buddy a new home. (It probably didn’t take long for Buddy to realize he’d hit the dog-lottery.)
I find it endearing to watch the trust-bond developing between Jay and his dog. Every time I see them walking past our home, it’s the same picture. Jay leads and Buddy follows. He even follows without a leash, never abusing his privilege of freedom. It’s amazing to witness such a trusting relationship. Buddy follows directly behind his master and never wanders off. Sometimes he gets tired and lags a bit. When that happens, Jay slows down, looks back, and waits for his friend to catch up.
When Jesus called His disciples, he spoke three simple words, “Come, follow me.” It is the same invitation He offers you and me today.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said,… At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20).
When I compare the example set by Jay and his dog, I have a clearer picture of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Our Lord provides the invitation, and like Buddy walking off-leash, the choice to follow where He leads is ours.
It’s such a great visual… Jay slowing his pace and looking back to check on Buddy. I think of Jesus doing the same with us. Since we each have individual strides, God lets us set the pace for how fast or slow we want to go. Our walk with Jesus provides ample opportunity to strengthen our faith muscles and better recognize His voice. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
As we continue our personal journey with Jesus, it’s good to remember:
- Jesus KNOWS the way. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Jesus IS the way. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'” (John 14:6).
- Jesus is IN the way. He “You are my hiding place; you will “protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance’ (Psalm 32:7).
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever” (Psalm 23: 1-6).
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