As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him (Mathew 9:9 NIV).
Those who are in Christ don’t wander this wilderness aimlessly. They are not lost. They have been called out of exile to their Master’s side, where they are led by their Deliverer, Lord, and Shepherd. The eloquent preacher Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, “From the first moment of your spiritual life until you are welcomed into heaven, the language of Christ to you will be, ‘Come to Me.’ … He will always go before you to pave your way and clear your path, and you will hear His life-giving voice calling you to follow Him all through your life.”
Nor are believers without purpose. For their calling is threefold—that of disciple . . . witness . . . and ambassador. What an honor! These carry such dignity and prestige. Not as a lofty position the world would bestow upon us, but only because they are gift from the Lord. And because of the very One they represent.
Rejoice, disciple, the Lord has conferred upon you a calling! Wherever you are, whatever you do, you serve the Lord—whether in the home, the marketplace, or the classroom. You do so as a witness to Him and your salvation; as His humble, yet zealous, representative and messenger; and as a disciple devoted to the Lord who serves others.
When Jesus issued the call to Peter and Andrew, the text says they left their nets “at once” (Matthew 4:20). Without hesitation.
And when Matthew was called from his tax collectors booth, he “left everything” (Luke 5:28). For no earthly treasure compares to the pearl of great price. Then, the first thing he did as a disciple of the Christ was throw a “great banquet” in celebration (Luke 5:27-29).
So, leave those old, worn nets behind and celebrate the Son of God, Who came to call us into fellowship. Who sent the Spirit to consecrate and sanctify us. And equips us to that which Jesus has ordained.
Dear God, let me not forget the higher purpose to which I’ve been called. May others believe as I share His life-giving words. Make me like my Master. Make me a faithful and fruitful disciple of my Lord. Train me . . . to train others. And please grant the confidence that comes from knowing that He Who is faithful will not abandon the work of His hand but will fulfill His purpose for me.
Comments