Jumping into Footprints (2/9/15)

A delightful winter scene is children playing in the snow. They flap their arms and legs to create snow angels. Giggles filled the air as balls of snow are rolled larger and larger. Then the struggle to set one atop another is overcome and the finishing touches are added to make a great snowman.

For me, the most enjoyable to watch is a young child attempting to walk in a parent’s footprints. Several factors make this attempt at being ‘just like mom or dad’ both interesting and amusing.

Because a parent’s stride is so much longer than that of the child, this undertaking often includes jumping from one footprint to the next. Even when the child falls short of the desired footprint, he/she continues forward until reaching it. The eager youngster then regroups and makes an attempt to attain the next footprint.

A parent’s footprint is also much larger than a child’s. In fact, young children can often fit both of their feet within one footprint of their father. With this much room, they can firmly plant their feet on the solid packed snow to ready themselves for the leap toward the next print.

Followers of Jesus Christ are called God’s children. “See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are!” (1 John 3:1a AMP) Like children we attempt to follow the big footprints of our Lord. The psalmist, recounting God’s works and faithfulness to His people, wrote these words. “Righteousness shall go before Him and shall make His footsteps a way in which to walk.” (Psalm 85:13 AMP) His steps provide a direction to walk and these are led by righteousness.  We have been made righteous in Jesus. “But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin].” (1 Corinthians 1:30 AMP) Therefore, Jesus goes before us leaving footprints for us to step into and we are to follow them.

 The stride of Jesus is greater than what can attain.  He is perfect and sinless.  As we strive to follow Him we will occasionally fall short. “Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.” (Romans 3:23 AMP) But just like that determined youngster, we can get up from these failings and press on in our quest to follow the steps of Jesus. “For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again.” (Proverbs 24:16a AMP) We must simply receive God’s abundant forgiveness and show a tenacity to move forward.

 The steps of Jesus are also far larger than any one believer could hope to attain. We can stand firmly in His footprint because He is our rock and solid foundation. “The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.” (Psalm 18:2 AMP) Following in the steps of Jesus means we do our part and allow fellow followers to perform their roles as well. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:5 AMP) Together we move forward; step by step.

Sometimes the child is following close by to the parent. He or she can see that parent ahead of them and valiantly attempt to keep up with them. At other times the journey is through previously laid footprints. The child may not be sure where these steps lead but he/she knows the steps lead to the parent who left the footprint behind. Regardless of our ability to see God’s plan we can follow His step. Jesus has called us to follow and righteousness will go before us. “Then shall your light break forth like the morning, and your healing (your restoration and the power of a new life) shall spring forth speedily; your righteousness (your rightness, your justice, and your right relationship with God) shall go before you [conducting you to peace and prosperity], and the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8 AMP) We will always find God as we follow the footprints He leaves for us.  

So, what are we waiting for? We can jump into the footprints of the Lord every day. And like little children playing in the snow, we can have fun doing it.