Following God's Call

Following God's Call (Matthew 4:19-20) 

​Matthew 4:19-20, And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
 
On January 22, 1886, Evangelist Dwight L. Moody addressed his church members in Chicago saying: "I tell you what, and what I have on my heart I believe we have got to have gap-men, men to stand between the laity and the ministers; men who are trained to do city mission work. Take men that have the gifts and train them for the work of reaching the people." This formal meeting, held at Farwell Hall, resulted in the group founding the Chicago Evangelization Society, which was later renamed the Moody Bible Institute.
 
During that same year, Moody was in New York City when he met William Evans. Evans was a 16 year old boy working as a typesetter. Moody was impressed with Evans and told him to pack his trunk and head for "my school in Chicago." Evans was on his way within days, becoming Moody's first graduate. William Evans held various Presbyterian pastorates, and, after several years, became Director of the Bible Course at Moody Bible Institute. He then served for three years as dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. He was also a respected Christian author and leader. And it all started when he had the courage to leave everything and to follow Jesus.
 
Jesus sees two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew, throwing their net into the water (Matthew 4:18). They have already met Jesus in Judea the day after His baptism (John 1:35-42). Jesus invites them to follow Him, Simon and Andrew leave their nets and follow Jesus. Their lives change forever. In Jesus' day, disciples would literally and physically follow their masters, or teachers, to learn from them and imitate them. Today, we follow Jesus through Bible study and church attendance. Discipleship can be summed up in one word: follow.
 
There was no delay in obeying Christ's calling. This verse is an example for us that this is the only way to respond to Divine commands. It is interesting that Jesus first and last statement to Peter was “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19; John 21:22). “God’s call is for you to be His loyal friend, for whatever purpose He has for your life.” Oswald Chambers
 
Whatever the price is to follow Christ, it is more than compensated for by the rewards of following Him. I must testify, that every time, the LORD has called me to follow His leading in His work I have followed. He has never failed in giving peace and provision. I must say that I have seen already in my lifetime, much fruit from the laboring in Tennessee, Arkansas, New York, Mississippi, Georgia, Belize, and now Florida and abroad.
 
Question to Consider:
Is God leading you to do something for Him in your life?
Is He directing you to serve Him through your church?
 
Points to Ponder:
Don’t silence Him through doubt, delay, or disobedience but follow His direction.
Remember to always be sensitive to the Lord’s direction.
 
PRAYER: Father, I want to be a true, totally committed Christ follower. Enable me by Your Spirit to passionately, deeply, and completely follow You. Make me into the disciple You want me to be. In Jesus name AMEN!
 
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