COME NOW
Father God, your words for me today are: “Come follow me…” and “Now.” Answering the call is so hard when we have so many other things that get in the way of doing just that. Why?
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Mathew 4:18-20 NIV
They “at once” answered the call. What about me? What about you? What on earth are we waiting for to FULLY ANSWER THE CALL?
And:
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Mathew 4:21-22 NIV
In both examples Jesus Christ gives us, the call was NOW, and the response was immediate.
IMMEDIATELY
Not later, Lord? Not when I am done growing my net worth? Not when I have my home just like I like it? Not when my book is finished? You say: COME FOLLOW ME. Why can’t I just drop what I am doing and simply follow you? Any time. Any where. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Dear Jesus: Not tomorrow. Not next year. But right now. You’re calling us into action, just as you called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, promising us a new purpose and a new direction. You’re saying, “COME FOLLOW ME.” “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
All: Sometimes, we respond with hesitation, consumed by the enticements of the world. We look at the boats we have built and the nets we have cast. We look at our homes, our careers, our possessions, our dreams. They seem to hold so much promise. They seem to give us so much security. And yet, you’re calling us to a promise that is far greater and a security that is far more lasting. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
THE WORDS OF CHRIST
The words of Christ are not a call to abandon our lives but to repurpose them. He doesn’t tell us to throw away our nets but to use them to “fish for people”. Our homes MUST become places of hospitality, our careers MUST become platforms for influence, our possessions MUST become tools for generosity, and our dreams MUST become vehicles for His glory.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
As we try to cling tightly to our earthly ambitions and plans, we may feel a pang of fear or discomfort at the thought of leaving our familiar shores. Yet, Jesus is calling us to step out in faith, to trust Him with our boats and nets, and to experience the thrill of being part of His great mission.
Dear child, you are answering my call. You are being obedient. Well done. Keep going. You do not labor in vein. I am with you now, tomorrow, and forever.
Yes, Jesus, forever and ever. Without end. What a glorious journey. Thank you for your provision. We will use all at our disposal to worship, glorify, and serve you.
THE GREAT CALLING
The Great Commission isn’t merely a command, but an invitation – an invitation into a life of adventure and purpose, a life full of transformation and growth, a life of being used by God to impact the lives of others. It’s time we stop delaying. It’s time we stop finding excuses. It’s time we start answering the call.
USE ALL WE HAVE
Jesus isn’t merely calling us to leave our boats. He’s calling us to embark on an incredible journey, one that requires us to trust in Him, to rely on Him, and to fully surrender ourselves to His leading. It’s a journey where we will learn to love as He loved, serve as He served, and give as He gave. And, Christ’s plans are good for us! “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Dear child, the path to greater joy, peace and love is following me, Christ Jesus, your Lord, Savior, and friend.
LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND
As Christ-followers, our response should echo that of those first disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. The urgency of His call should stir us into immediate action. Not later, but NOW. After all, we leave this world with nothing. Not a penny. Let us invest in God’s kingdom. Right now. Not later. Not when we think we have enough of whatever we are “collecting.”
So let’s throw off the anchors that keep us grounded to our own comforts and securities. Let’s pull up the sails and let the wind of His Spirit guide us. Let’s answer the call, and commit ourselves to a life of following Jesus. Not just partially, not just cautiously, but wholeheartedly and immediately. COME NOW.
THE TIME IS NOW
As the Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
May we all answer this call with urgency, with passion, with conviction, and with joy. Because in following Him, we find our true purpose and meaning. In serving Him, we experience true joy and satisfaction. And in obeying Him, we show our true love for Him.
May we all say: Yes, Lord, here I am. I will follow you. I will answer your call. NOW. For”: Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24 NIV
CONCLUSION
Lord Jesus, there is but one conclusion: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV. These passages, inspire us to fully commit to God’s calling, setting aside our earthly concerns and taking up the work of the Lord without hesitation. NOW.
Your aspiring servant,
Daniel M.
1 June 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent conversation with God blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English (Spanish is coming soon). If you ever want to chat, reach out at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. My Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily Conversations with God.
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