READING: 2 Kings 2-3, Psalm 48, Matthew 4
Immediately.
Right now.
With abandon.
That’s the way we’re to follow Jesus.
When Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave their boats and follow Him, all obeyed without apparent reservation.
- “Immediately they [Simon and Andrew] left their nets and followed him.” (Matt 4:20)
- “Immediately they [James and John] left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matt 4:22)
I seek to be a man of faith, but I wonder how much I would give up for the sake of Christ. If God called me to turn away from my profession and possessions, trust Him, and obey Him, would I abandon all to follow Him? And, would I immediately leave it all behind—or would I want time to think about what Jesus had demanded? Might I be tempted to try to negotiate with God, thus buying me some time to consider the cost of obedience?
Obedience to Jesus isn’t optional for believers. Indeed, we’re to obey Him right now. With abandon. When we don’t obey Him immediately, we give the enemy an open door to attack and destroy us. Immediate obedience, on the other hand, is what God demands.
Immediately.
PRAYER: “Help me, Father, to obey You immediately and fully today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 4-6, Matthew 5
