I recently helped Rev. Clem Rosenberger teach a 10-week class on the Gospel of Mark to our Wednesday night study group at the Lancaster Church of the Brethren. Our little group of about 12 people tried to dig into what it means to follow Jesus on the road to the cross. In chapters 8 through 10, Jesus made a three-fold prediction of his death and resurrection to his disciples. We tried to discover the meaning of death and resurrection in our own lives. Following the completion of the course, I put my thoughts down in the form of a poem, which follows below. I challenge you to read the Gospel of Mark and think about the meaning of death and resurrection in your own life.
Come Follow Me
(This poem can be sung to the hymn tune CRIMOND CM)
"Come follow me," the Master said,
"And join me on the way.
I go to suffer and to die,
Come, let's be on our way."
The die is cast; we've made our choice,
Today, we'll follow him.
We do not know what lies ahead,
The pathway's often dim.
He suffered much upon his cross,
That day was dark and long.
But death held not the final sway,
For love is just too strong.
If they be poor or maybe gay,
Our Jesus loves them all.
So many suffer still today,
And we must heed his call.
When Jesus said, "Take up your cross,"
It would not be in vain.
Perhaps their suffering is our lot,
And we will feel their pain.
"Come follow me," the Master said,
"And give up worldly gain.
I go to suffer and to die,
But I will rise again."