Big Shoes to Fill

Often when someone succeeds another person, folks will say, “He/she has big shoes to fill”. After Jesus’ short but power-packed three years of ministry, He told his followers something that surely shocked them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12 NKJV). Sounds like filling big sandals!

These words of Jesus have troubled me for many years. I have read commentaries written by smarter men than me who have tried to explain this scripture away. It would be easier on my mind to accept these explanations and go about my merry-way, but somehow I cannot discount the words of Jesus. I find it necessary to try on His sandals.

The feature photo attached to this post is my 2½ year old granddaughter Lizzy, who is modeling her dad’s boots. She is not intimidated by the big boots but wears them with joy. When she tries them on, she is not embarrassed by the oversize boots but sports them with the confidence that even though they do not yet fit her, they are her father’s boots and she is his beloved daughter. Maybe in the innocence of a child, she believes one day she will fill his shoes.

I remember some other words of Jesus when He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. / Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4 NKJV).

Even though many biblical theorists may deride my trying on Jesus’ sandals, I have decided to be foolishly childish in my spiritual pursuit. I may not ever grow into them but maybe I will get closer by trying than by laying aside His words. So, if you hear someone flopping on the journey, it may be me or one of the other foolish ones who just take Jesus at His Word.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt