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| Painted by: Christ Calling the First Disciples Philip Richard Morris |
By: Pastor Jose V. Velasco
Read: Matthew
4:18-22
“Come, follow me.” These were Jesus’ words
when He called Simon Peter and Andrew to become His disciples (Mt. 4:19). We
presume He also called James and his brother John with these same words (Mt.
4:21). Again, when Jesus called Matthew He said, “Follow me” (Mt. 9:9). And in
a sense Jesus still calls us today to follow Him. It is well for us to
contemplate on this as we enter this new year.
And if you are not yet following Him you may decide to do so.
What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? First,
it is to be in intimate company with Him. This happens when we say to Him, “Yes,
I want to follow and be with you forever.” Then we pledge to Him our love,
trust, obedience and service. In this relationship we accept completely His
lordship. We resolve to do nothing but His will and desires. This is complete
submission to Him. But this submission is never servile and demeaning. In fact,
just the reverse. It is dignifying and uplifting. It is not servile because Jesus
considers us as His friends (Jn. 15:14-15). The submission is not humiliating,
but like the prodigal son when he came home, the loving and forgiving embrace
of his father, the ring, the best robe, comfortable shoes, and lavish banquette
restored dignity and honor to the lost beloved son (Lk. 15:22-24). This is what
you would become if you come to Jesus Christ. Second, to follow Jesus is
to live like He lived. In 1 John 2:6 we read, “- - whoever says that he remains
in union with God should live just as Jesus Christ did” (Good News Version). In
the Reflection, Renewal and Change, this was mentioned as the goal of renewal. Third,
to follow Him is to hear and obey His words and teachings. This is an
affirmation of our love to Him. If we love Him we obey His words (Jn. 14:15,
21, 23). Definitely following Jesus in these ways is what it means to be a real
Christian.
Note that when these men followed Jesus they
gave up their livelihood (Mt. 4:20, 22; 9:9). I know of teachers who gave up
teaching when they became pastors. But this is not a requirement for all. I
know of a lawyer, a dentist and a physician in the Philippines who became
pastors but did not entirely give up their professional livelihood. What they
did was to incorporate their careers in their ministry. And this also helped
them financially because they could do ministry even with low pay. Paul
continued his tent making after becoming a missionary. We have to seek God’s
guidance regarding this as He impresses it upon us. But I am also thinking of
things that we must give up totally if we follow Christ. We must give up the
old sinful life. We must get rid of anything that displeases our new Lord and
Friend. (Colossians 3:5-9).
We said above that Christ still calls people
to follow Him today. How? Through the preaching and teaching of the gospel.
Through the influence of your families, friends, neighbors, other Christians,
reading the Bible and other Christian literature, and all other ways in which
the gospel is proclaimed. The call may have already come to you, but have you
responded positively?
If you are now a follower of Christ the
challenge is to be faithful. Many temptations to backslide come. But Jesus
says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of
life” (Rev. 2:10). Will you be a faithful follower until the end?
Prayer: Lord, let me hear your call and answer
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