READING: Genesis 8-10, Matthew 4
Without reservation. Without hesitation. Unflinchingly. That’s the way we’re supposed to follow Jesus.
That’s the way the disciples followed Jesus when He called them to leave their boats behind and come after Him. They had met Jesus before when John the Baptist directed them to the Lamb of God (John 2), so this was not the first time they had heard from Him. In fact, they likely had been His followers for at least a year when He called them to walk with Him full-time. Obviously, there was – as we might expect – something so unique about Him that when He called them to leave their boats behind, they did so immediately. They did not yet fully understand He was the Messiah rather than a political king, but they knew He was worth following.
I wonder today about things that sometimes make us reticent to follow Him immediately. Sometimes we want more details before we make a commitment. At other times, our present-tense plans are so important to us we don’t want to risk giving them up. In other cases, we’re so convinced we have time to make a decision later that we simply delay our response. In some cases around the world, too, the real threat of persecution makes potential followers hesitant to commit to Christ.
At the end of the day, though, we must choose to leave all behind and follow Him immediately – because of who He is. He is worth the risk.
PRAYER: “Jesus, I admit I’m sometimes hesitant in my obedience. Forgive me, and help me follow You with abandon.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: If you know an area of your life where you’re delaying doing what Christ commands, make a change today.
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 11-13, Matthew 5:1-30