October 27, 2005

 

…Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:14-15

 

What is a call to discipleship? It is a call to believe, belong, and become. As Jesus was preaching the message of the kingdom that He would deliver to the world, He said, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” The four fisherman—James, John, Simon Peter, and Andrew—were the first of the disciples to believe in Christ, belong to His purpose, and become His committed followers.

 

God has given man the incredible opportunity to trust and believe in Him. He has given every man a measure of faith and faculty to believe. Just as these men left their nets and followed the Lord, so you too can leave behind the worldly things you cling to in order to wholeheartedly follow the Lord Jesus in your life.

 

Of all the people on the earth Jesus could have chosen, He picked these men. When I consider out of all the people in the world that He called me to faith, I realize how blessed I am. Why was I born in a home where I would hear the Gospel? Why was I born in America where the Gospel is preached so favorably and so readily in churches across the land? Why was I given this unbelievable privilege of hearing the Gospel and of knowing Jesus Christ? It is nothing but the sovereign will and call of Jesus that He picked me.

 

The Scripture says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…” (John 6:44). Unless Christ calls, no one can ever come. But the good news is He says, “Whosoever will may come.” The call is open-ended. The call is for everyone to become followers of Jesus. If you’ll follow Christ just like these fishermen, you’ll discover the reality of faith and you’ll grow as a believer.

 

WHEN YOU LEAVE THE WORLDLY THINGS BEHIND, BEGIN TO FOLLOW JESUS, AND SIMPLY TRUST IN HIM, YOU CAN TAKE THE WORLD FOR HIS GLORY.