Follow the Leader

And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Mark 1:16‭-‬18 NKJV

This wasn’t a game or a joke, Jesus was calling Peter and Andrew to follow Him.

Can anyone imagine what this moment was like for them?

They immediately take action and follow.

Peter goes from a fisherman to…a preacher, an elder in the church, a man God used mightily.

The Gospels are clear, Peter made his mistakes, but those things do not impead his following.

Even after he denied he knew Jesus, Jesus restored him. (John 21:15-17)

The truth of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection were testified to by this Fisher of Men.

2 Peter 1:16 NKJV — For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

Peter’s life was forever changed by the Lord Jesus.

His choice to follow Christ is one each of us has the opportunity to make.

In this we can be encouraged to follow Christ as well.

To live a life of devotion to Jesus.

The Bible clearly explains what following Jesus is.

Here are a few verses:

Luke 9:23 NKJV — Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

John 10:27 NKJV — “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

John 12:26 NKJV — “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

It is through love that Jesus came, died, and rose again.

It is through love that He called his disciples and they in turn discipled others.

It is through love that anyone can be a follower of Jesus Christ.

John 14:21 NKJV — “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

When Jesus calls you to follow Him, what will your answer be?

Will you follow the Leader?

I truly hope so.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your truth. Lord, thank You for giving us hope that we too can follow You. Lord, You do not see as man sees. We get caught up with looks or outward things, but You see the heart. Lord Jesus, purify my heart before You. Please continue to help me pick up my cross and follow You. Lord, thank You for Your love, Your faithfulness, and Your salvation. My eyes are on You, Lord, lead me. Amen.