When you were in school, it might have been called the “in” group. In the business world, perhaps the upper echelon is known as the “corporate leaders” or “upper management”. The folks who are “somebody.” We all know who they are and about their accomplishments and from social media, we probably know more about them then they wish to divulge.

        I just love that Jesus did not choose any disciples to follow Him because they were the “upper echelon.” The twelve chosen apostles, were fishermen, a former tax collector for the Romans, a zealot, and others who had agreed to leave their families and jobs and truly follow our Lord, their long-awaited Messiah.

        God’s unconditional love covers everyone of us mere humans. No matter our position at the office, our standing within our communities, our place within our homes, He loves us. He has chosen us to follow Him and learn of His ways. Saying YES to follow Him and join a host of believers does not mean we will have a blissful “ride” through life.  We will not be Aladdin and whisk away with Jasmine on a carpet ride through the hills and valleys ahead, but we will be His.  Saying YES to follow Christ means we will never be alone.  We will learn more of Him and His ways. Sharing the good news of our salvation and encouraging others to follow will not be pain-free or problem-free. However, being a follower of Jesus means we have been forgiven. He died for our sins. We are inheritors of the Kingdom of God. We are His children and He will never forsake us, but along the journey of life, He will polish and refine us to be completely and wholly His.

        Jill