And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 (NAU)
The little girl wandered aimlessly across the store. Her mother couldn’t enjoy her shopping for having to look for her. Finally, momma firmly instructed her daughter to not let go of momma’s hand. It worked well until Momma stopped to look at a dress. It didn’t take long for her daughter to get bored. As the child curiously observed her surroundings, she thought momma moved so she started walking too, continuing to look all around 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. Then momma stopped again. A strange voice said, “Hello. Who are you?” When she looked up to see who was talking, the girl saw that she held 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, as well as focus when we follow his will and purpose. As we follow Jesus, it is easy to determine our next step, and what our goals are. But when we let go of his hand, we can easily be distracted by the attractions and cares of this life. Those attractions and distractions will cause us to lose our way, and to take hold of the wrong hand.
I am convinced that the one who chooses Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and follows him faithfully will be able to confidently claim, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Psalm 23:8 (KJV)
Dear Father, I glorify and worship you for the blessings you have bestowed on me. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for us on Calvary. Empower us to follow Jesus. Grant that we may follow his example of “fishing for men.” This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you hold the Lord’s hand,