By Andrew Williams
‘One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.’ Matthew 4:18-20
Good morning fellow disciples.
In Matthew 4:18-22, we witness the powerful invitation of Jesus to His first disciples. He saw them, not for their accomplishments or their status, but for their potential. He saw in them the raw material for His kingdom, the potential to become fishers of men. Similarly, in Luke 9:23-26, Jesus paints a vivid picture of what following Him entails: “If anyone wants to be my disciple, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This is not a casual invitation, but a life-altering commitment.
The call to follow Jesus is not a call to comfort or ease. It is a call to sacrifice, to self-denial, and to a life of unwavering commitment. It’s about leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown, trusting in God’s provision even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is immeasurable. Jesus promises us eternal life, a life that transcends the boundaries of time and space, a life that begins here and now, and continues in the presence of God forever. He promises to be with us always, to guide us, to strengthen us, and to lead us to a place of unimaginable joy and peace.
Today, let us reflect on the call to follow Jesus. Let us consider the cost, but also the immeasurable reward. Ask yourself:
- What are you holding onto that is preventing you from fully following Him?
- What sacrifices are you willing to make to deepen your relationship with Him?
- Are you truly willing to leave behind your old ways and embrace the life that Jesus offers?
Let us commit to following Him, not just with our words, but with our actions, our hearts, and our lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we come before You today, acknowledging Your call to follow You. Give us the courage to count the cost, to surrender our desires, and to trust in Your promises. Guide our steps, strengthen our resolve, and help us to live our lives in obedience to Your will. Amen.
Amen