And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 (NAS)
The child wandered aimlessly across the store. Her mother couldn’t enjoy her shopping for having to search 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 the child to get bored. As she looked around, the little one 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 she was holding a strange woman’s 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 are tempted to take hold of the wrong hand.
A wonderful old hymn goes like this: “A faithful follower I would be, for by his own hand he leadeth me.” I certainly want to be faithful, and I want to follow the Lord. He can’t lead us if we won’t hold his hand. He is the leader, and we are the followers. The results are assured if we will be faithful.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower us to faithfully follow Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you follow Christ,