Lead follow or get out of the way.

I ran cross-country in high school. The team mantra was, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

One drill had us run single file with the leader dropping back as the anchor moved up to lead. So, the last would become first, and the first would become last.

We learn the disciples Jesus chose to run with weren’t perfect, but they were perfectly chosen by Christ to help us to the finish line of Heaven.

Jesus told the twelve He would go into Jerusalem and ultimately die. He needed Peter to be the rock — but what kind?

Peter responded, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Now I know Peter was a fisherman, but his response was a little yacht rock – more soft rock than Jesus wanted.

Peter and the others did not want to lead or follow Jesus’ next course – thinking His death would be the end. So, onto option 3 of the mantra – get out of the way.

Jesus wanted hard rock going into Jerusalem – with Peter on lead vocals. And while Peter denied Jesus at this time; in the end, he would be the rock star Jesus named him to be.

Before each race we had a warmup jog – getting to know the course ahead. In life, we don’t get a warmup – the race is now. It takes courage to lead and follow the right path. It takes a leap of faith to know when we need to get out of the way and let God lead us onward. And it takes our love and faith in God to stay on His course each day. Rock on!

2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”

— Julian Katz