Today’s Reading, Matthew 1-4
Focal Scripture: Matthew 4:20 “Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
If you are a parent you understand what it is like when you’re teaching your children to obey. Sometimes it takes them a few chances to hear what you’re saying and process that information. Sometimes things get lost in translation and obedience is delayed. Other times they just refuse to do what they have been asked. When we ask our children to do something we expect immediate obedience.
This is where our journey takes us today. The book of Matthew starts off with genealogy. It then goes into immediate obedience from Mary, Joseph, and John the Baptist. In the focal verse today we see that Jesus called Andrew and Peter and we see their immediate obedience. They did not sit around and debate. They did not ponder. They left their jobs, families, friends and familiarity. They wanted to be obedient to Jesus.
That is the challenge for every believer today. Will you be obedient to the Lord immediately when he calls? This attitude is missing in many who profess Christ. Do you feel prompted to witness? If so do you follow through. Has he called you to follow him in ministry? If so, are you all in or holding on to something else. Our obedience shows our faith in the Lord.
If you are not immediately following the Lord, I challenge you with a few questions.
- Do you know how to hear the Lord’s voice?
- Are you truly committed to being a follower of Christ? Or are you a cultural Christian?
- What is keeping you from immediately following the Lord’s request?
- Are you getting bad advise from others who want you to follow their advise?
Immediate follow the Lord. He knows best and will never fail us. Even if our obedience takes us into a difficult situation. Know that the journey is part of God’s plan and will mold you into the person you need to be to live for him.
Follow Christ. Be intentional. Respond quickly.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Matthew 5-6
