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Message

Read Matthew 4:18-20. Here, we find Peter’s experience with coming and following Jesus. When Jesus approaches Peter, in this story, He comes with a very simple call: “Come, follow me!”

In those days, being chosen as a disciple was an extreme honor, as only the best and brightest people were chosen to work for the rabbis. It was therefore a very structured, meticulous process. However, Jesus’ process for choosing disciples was dramatically different from the normal process. Jesus did not wait for men to come find Him; instead, Jesus CAME to His disciples! It is ironic to think that Jesus only asked His disciples to do what He did for them! He came to them and asked that they simply come to Him in return! But, isn’t it strange that during the process of finding disciples, Jesus didn’t go to a king, priest, or other high member of society? Instead, He went to the simplest, most common man. Nothing was very special about Peter, right? But, Jesus knew his heart and his potential, and somehow, that was what mattered! The call that Jesus made to Peter, He also extends to each one of us, not because of our position, strengths, or talents. Rather, He does this because He sees the true condition of our hearts! “We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are” (Steps to Christ, p. 30). He knows that each one of us has the potential to benefit His kingdom!

So, we can see that Jesus called even the simplest of men to come follow Him. In the same way, Jesus calls us to come follow Him no matter how undeserving we may feel! But often times, we try to make up excuses and reasons why we can’t come and truly follow God. We find it easier to pass off becoming a follower for another day, or for another person! Yet, Christ calls each one of us, today!

Read Luke 9:57-62. In these verses, Jesus makes it clear that when we come to Him we should come with 100 percent dedication to His call! This means we do not make excuses or put off our commitment, but rather, we come when He calls with all that we are! He doesn’t ask us to make a million changes before we come; He just asks us to come wholeheartedly! This is how Peter responded to Jesus’ call. He never even second-guessed his actions. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter didn’t let anything, anyone, or any preconceived ideas hold him back! Something about Jesus was so intriguing and real that Peter didn’t need any persuading. Peter came 100 percent, and so should we!

Have you heard the story about Jim Laudey who shared an apartment with his best friend, Stevie, in the bustling city of San Diego? Both men felt overwhelmed by the hectic atmosphere surrounding them! One day, they met a man named Michael who told them of his home on the Pacific coast! As he talked, Jim and Stevie began to imagine what their lives could be like if they could live like Michael! As if he could read their minds, he broke their daydreams by inviting them to come back with him and live a new life on beautiful beachfront property. There were only two conditions: They could only come if they came empty handed and if Michael built their homes! They had to be willing to accept everything their new life offered! Within seconds, both Jim and Stevie accepted his offer.



As the men made their way to the new property, their minds raced! They imagined the gigantic houses they would build! Finally, they reached their new home! They soaked in the fresh air and the sound of the waves crashing against the shores. They heard the giddy laughter of the children, watched as a couple walked hand in hand, and saw the beautiful sunset hanging above the water. This was what they had been waiting for!

Michael walked alongside the men as they surveyed the scene and focused the men on where their homes would soon stand. He took them over to a large plot of land. It was time to start building. Jim followed Michael over to the land given him. Stevie, on the other hand, turned away. He would build his home by himself! He knew he was perfectly capable on his own and what his house should look like.

A biblical parable tells a similar story of two men who built their houses on a beachfront shore! Read Luke 6:46-49. When we come to Jesus, He helps us build a strong foundation that supports our new life with Him. You see, both Jim and Stevie “came” in action! But only Jim came in heart! Only then do we build a life foundation that will never fail us!

When we say yes to God’s call we choose to come the same way Peter and Jim did! We follow not merely in action, but in heart! We follow 100 percent! If you want to come and build a sturdy foundation in Christ, then now is the time to make your choice! “Yes, I believe! Yes, I want You (God) to be the sturdy foundation I set my life on! Yes, when You lead me, I will follow!”

But what comes next? What makes the simple “yes” response become a reality in our lives? God wants us to grow in knowing Him so that we can better understand what it means to follow Him! In James 4:8, we are told that when we come near to God, He comes near to us! When you accept God’s call, you continually come near to Christ, and in return, He does the same for you! One way of coming nearer to God is through T.A.G. or Time Alone with God! To start this only takes three simple steps:

Choose a time. Choose a time that would work best for you to connect with God every day. Would it be morning, afternoon, or evening?

Choose a place. It helps you make T.A.G. a priority if you have a place set aside to meet with God. Think of a place that would be most free of distractions.

Choose a plan. Think of T.A.G. having at two great priorities: prayer and God’s Word. Decide what you will read and study in God’s Word. If you are just beginning, one of the four Gospels or Genesis is a great place to begin! Just talk to God like you talk to your friends…because that is what He is!


Date: 2015-02-16; view: 722


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