“Follow Me” “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And He said unto them, ‘Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men’.” Matthew 4:18-19 Two simple words, but the most radical, life-changing words we’ll ever hear when we respond to them in faith. “Follow Me.” He had no press agent or marketing firm. He had no financial portfolio or proven track record of success. The only thing they knew of Him was what John the Baptist had said of Him when He first appeared on the scene at the Jordan River that day and the next (Jn. 1:29-35). One of the two who stood there that second day was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (vv.35-40). We can only assume he was also present the day before when Jesus first appeared and John baptized Him. If so, he also saw the Holy Spirit descend from Heaven in the form of a dove and light upon Him as God spoke, saying “This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased” (Mt. 3:16-17). Perhaps that’s why Andrew began following Jesus the next day, curious as to where He lived (Jn. 1:37-38). And, after Jesus said “Come and see” (v.39), Andrew immediately went and found his brother, Simon, and said “We have found the Messiah” and brought him to Jesus (vv.40-41). Even so, it wasn’t until several days later that Jesus showed up on the seashore that day and said “Follow Me.” Again, they knew little about Him and had no idea of where He was going or what He was going to do. But, “they immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Mt. 4:20). Talk about “going without knowing where you’re going” (Heb. 11:8). Glory!! The question, then, for us is “Are we willing to do the same?” To follow someone is to go with him, not stay where you are. To say that someone is “Lord” (Master) is to be his disciple—i.e., learn what he has to say and put it into action. And, in reality, that’s what Jesus meant when He said to “Go into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. . .” (Mt. 28:19-20a). Oh, dear Pilgrim, are you a disciple of Christ? Are you daily seeking to know His Heart and follow in His footsteps wherever they lead? Are you “denying yourself, taking up your cross daily and following Him” (Lk. 9:23)? Or, are you wanting to claim the name “Christian,” but still do things your way? Again, you cannot be a follower of Christ and stay where you are. It’s an impossibility! Therefore, take some time right now and ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas of your life where you’re still wanting to sing “I Did It My Way.” Then, confess your disobedience to Christ, turn from them (repentance) and put Christ first in everything (Mt. 6:33). Start now. - Apostle Tom
Posted on: Sun, 14 Jul 2013 04:49:01 +0000