Come and Follow...

The instructions Jesus gave when he began and ended his earthly ministry still hold much value for us today. First, we'll look at the beginning. When he called his first disciples, he told them to come (John 1:39) and follow him (Matthew 4:19). Scripture records their obedience to the Lord's command: Immediately they left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:20).

The disciples' response is void of the typical human reaction. No need to check schedules. Peer pressure not a factor. Market research and opinion polls not required. Exploring other options not even a consideration. They simply obeyed Immanuel. Without hesitation. So how then do we as God's men show this same level of obedience? How do we come and follow the Savior?

John 1 tells us that in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (v.1). The son of God was present from the beginning; light and life to all of creation (v.3-4). His purpose was to reveal the glory of God to all so that all who believed in Him would have eternal life (v.9-13). Then the Word became flesh and dwelt among men; showing the glory of God full of grace and truth (v.14).

Since Jesus is the Word of God made into flesh, we come and follow Jesus by immersing ourselves in God's Word. A casual, long-distance relationship just doesn't cut it. We follow the truth of Scripture and reject our own faulty human thinking. We take on the mindset of Christ and love others as He loves us. We share the truth of the Word with others who need to see Jesus. We take time to rest and get alone with the Father in prayer; thanking Him for what he's done in our lives. We go to Him boldly in faith with complete confidence in his ability to provide grace and comfort in time of need.

Come and follow. Drop the nets. Right now.