And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19 (NAU)
The child wandered aimlessly across the store. Her mother couldn’t enjoy her shopping for having to look for her. Finally she firmly instructed the girl to hold her hand and follow her around. It worked well until Momma stopped to look at a dress. It didn’t take long for her daughter to get bored, As she looked, she thought momma moved so she started walking too, looking all around her as she did. After walking for several minutes, the child remembered that momma had said, “Stay close to me and don’t let go of my hand.” She saw momma’s hand just ahead so she inched up close to her and took her by the hand. And momma stopped again. Then a strange voice said, “Hello. Who are you?” When she looked up to see who was talking, the girl saw that a strange woman had her by the hand. It wasn’t her momma at all.
Like children who won’t hold the parent’s hand, our lives have no point of direction without someone to follow. Jesus said, “Come follow me . . .” And our lives take on new meaning and focus as we follow him in will and purpose. When we follow Jesus, it is easy to determine our next step and what our goals are. But when we turn loose of his hand and become distracted by the attractions and cares of this life, then we loose our way and take hold of the wrong hand.
I believe that if I will faithfully follow Jesus Christ, my savior and Lord, then “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:8 (KJV)
Dear Father, I give you glory and honor for all your blessings. Thank you for grace and mercy. Thank you for Jesus and the sacrifice of Calvary. Empower me to truly follow him and never stop following him. Grant to me an attentive focus that allows me to clearly learn as his disciple. I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his instructions and live for him in obedience,
Pastor Smith