40. “Come follow me...”

As I’m reading in the book of Matthew, I cannot help but be choked up. Simon, Andrew, James and John were called by the Savior. ”Come, follow me.” Was the invitation Jesus extended. And their response? They dropped EVERYTHING and followed Him-they didn‘t have to be persuaded. They didn’t have to think about it. They didn’t have to know what was in it for them. They didn’t need proof or a good reason. The invitation was there and they leapt at the chance. (read Matthew 4:18-22)

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon allied Peter and his. Brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

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, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” 

My heart aches thinking about how often we do not respond with the same ‘all in’ attitude. There are even those who claim to know Jesus who still keep Him at arms length. 

Now, it is true that there was a time I didn’t know Him. For years, I shot down that beautiful invitation, but when I finally said yes to Jesus, I said yes with everything in me. And my life will never be the same. I cannot tell you enough how beautiful Jesus is. I cannot tell you enough how much He adores you. I cannot tell you enough how important you are to Him. And no matter how many times you may have already said ’no’, they day you say “YES” all of heaven will rejoice. There was a looong time I lived a life never believing these things and now I ugly cry thinking of all the beautiful people who do not know how precious they truly are-because they do not know who HE is. 

He’s not trying to trick you and I’m not trying to trick you either. Your life can literally be changed by one decision you make:accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. No, I am not claiming a quick fix to the troubles of this life. But miraculous things happen when you go all in with Jesus. 

We will not be here on this earth forever. And no one knows when the Lord is coming back. Trust me when i say, where you will spend your eternity is not something you want to take lightly. In fact, there will come a time that you will no longer have the chance to accept His invitation. But right now....His hand is extended to YOU.

“Come, follow me” He says....

what will your answer be?