A Persistent Follower

I love markets.  I’ve been to markets in many countries:  Ukraine, Chile, Mexico, the Philippines and others.  So doing a teaching stint in Papua New Guinea, it was only fitting that I’d end up at Gordons Market, one of the largest in the capital of Port Moresby. 

As I pulled into the market parking lot, there weren’t any spaces available.  I had to wait for about five minutes.  Before long I was backing up into a spot.  Suddenly there was this boy, probably not older than 10, who decided that I needed help and was trying to marshal me into the spot.  With a camera at the back of the truck I didn’t need that help. 

When I got out of the truck, the boy was at the door expecting me to give him something for his “help.”  There were two issues:  first, I didn’t ask for his help; second, all I had was a 50 kina (about $20 AUD) bill and I was quite sure he wasn’t going to make change.  The first was the bigger issue, since I could have gone into the market to get change.  I’m all for giving a tip if someone earns it, but this was not that.  So, true to my stingy Dutch heritage, I walked away. 

He followed.  And he kept on following.  I walked into the first floor of the market.  He followed.  I walked up to the second floor of the market.  He followed. I could hear him shuffling behind me everywhere I went.  The game was on.  Who would give up first, me or him? 

After my initial tour of the market with my shadow in tow, I headed outside.  I decided to walk about the neighbourhood, uphill and down dale.  He was always a few steps behind me.  Then it was back to the market.  I went into the crowded clothing section, figuring I would surely lose him in there with a few sharp turns.  But no.  Then back up to the second floor of the market.  I circled some of the vendors.  He circled with me.  Some of the vendors were obviously enjoying the scene.

How was I going to win?  Stairs.  It had to be the stairs.  I went down the stairs and I waited until he got to the bottom.  Then I went back up the stairs and waited until he got to the top.  We did this several times.  Finally, finally, I was at the top of the stairs and he relented.  He waited at the bottom to see if I would come back down again.  I went towards the vendors and he didn’t follow.  I won.  It took a good half hour or more, but victory was mine.  I was finally able to buy some produce in peace.

I’ve got to say that I admire his determination.  He wanted that tip.  It got me to thinking about the nature of discipleship.  A disciple is supposed to relentlessly follow Christ.  If only I could be half as persistent in following my Lord as this boy was in following me!

It’s an imperfect analogy, I know.  For one thing, Christ wants me to follow him.  Though I had some fun, I really could have done without the extra exercise in the 30+ degree heat and humidity.  But Christ desires me for his disciple.  For another thing, this young fellow eventually gave up and walked away.  I’m not supposed to ever give up and walk away.  I don’t follow Christ persistently, but I should and so should you.

The good news is that, though our following of him is inconsistent, his commitment to us is steadfast.  He loved us to death on the cross.   He’ll never let go.  As he said in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”  That’s persistence!