Called to Follow Christ

Called to Follow Christ

“Jesus said to them: 'Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' And they straightway departed from their ways, and followed him” (Mark 1:17–18).

Bible Reading of the Year: 2 Chronicles 28-30

An old evangelist once told the story of his life. Before he came to know Christ, he was just a simple fisherman in a coastal village. His life was filled with anger, drunken habits, and family quarrels. One day, he attended a small convention at the home of a congregation. The Lord's words that night were simple: “Come, follow me.”

That sentence kept ringing in his mind. He said that that night it was not only his ears that heard, but his heart was called by Christ. From that day on, his life changed. He began to leave his old habits, learn to pray, read the Bible, and finally was used by God to bring many people to Christ. He said, “When I follow Jesus, I don't lose my life. Instead, I found my true purpose in life.”

Mark 1:17 is Jesus' call to Simon and Andrew. Interestingly, Jesus not only said, “Believe in me,” but also, “Follow me.” Christianity is not just a religion about knowledge, but a journey of life with Christ. Following Christ means surrendering the direction of our lives to Him.

Jesus also said that He would make them “fishers of men.” This means that everyone who truly follows Christ will be transformed into God's tool to bring others to salvation. God doesn't call people perfect. He calls ordinary people who are willing to obey. The disciples were only fishermen, but in the hands of Christ, they were used to shake the world. The plot twist of God's kingdom is often like this: God uses simple people for extraordinary work.

There are three practical applications that we can do, namely:

First, learn to hear God's voice every day. The world is too noisy with social media, ambition, and busyness. Believers need to make time for prayer and reading God's Word in order to recognize the will of Christ in their lives.

Second, abandon things that hinder spiritual growth. The disciples left their nets. Today may not be a literal net, but a sin, compromise, bitterness, or comfort that keeps us away from God.

Third, begin to be a witness of Christ. Evangelism does not always have to be preached in the pulpit. An attitude of life, words, concern for others, even a simple message that strengthens, can be a way for a person to know Jesus.

Following Christ does require sacrifice, but it is never in vain. When we walk with Him, our lives gain eternal direction, purpose, and hope.

Prayer:

Loving Lord God, thank you that You still call us to follow You. Help us to have an obedient heart and be willing to abandon everything that stands in the way of our relationship with You. Mould our lives into instruments of Your glory and use us to bring souls to salvation in Christ. In the name of the Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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