While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. -Matt. 4:18-20
Could it really be that simple? Is this truly all that is involved? Jesus approaches those He knows to be His disciples and commands them to follow. This account of his calling of Simon Peter and Andrew is more than mere historical record; it contains the principle of Christ’s calling of each one of us. Do you hear Him? “Follow me….”
To follow Jesus we must walk behind Him. We move in the same direction and watch where He is going, with the intention of ending up in the same place as Him. To follow means that we observe His every movement, pay close attention to his manner, and listen intently to every word He says. Following entails conforming our actions to His instructions, mimicking Him in word and deed. It demands being near to Him, hearing Him, keeping Him always in sight.
We may not have the privilege of physically following behind Him today, but then again, we do not have to leave our nets to follow Him either. Instead we stay in His presence each and every day through the Word. He is right there, with you and with me. When can watch the way He moves and interacts with people. We can incline our ears and listen intently to His instructions. And we can stop Him and ask for His help in conforming our ways to His.
It is far simpler than we’ve ever imagined. Just open the Bible and sit before Him. Focus your attention in prayer on a passage in a Gospel. Read attentively, asking the Holy Spirit to ‘show’ you the scene, to take you into the action. Spend time reflecting and meditating on what you’ve seen. Listen for His voice; hear His word to you. Keep that word with you throughout the day. Look for an opportunity to apply that word to your life.
Follow Him. Look up—He is there! Let us follow him today and every day.
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