Answering His Call
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said. Mark 1:17
I wonder why Jesus specifically called Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John as His first four disciples. It seems rather random, but maybe Jesus already knew them and was guided by the Spirit of God to single them out.
They dropped everything and followed Him immediately. It could be, as some have said, that the opportunity to follow a great teacher was prized as the opportunity of a lifetime. This was apparently not the only time Jesus called Peter, James and John to follow Him (see Luke 5:1-11 and John 1:35-42 for two other times). They had to grow in their faith just as all believers do. Although it took time for them to respond to Jesus’ call, the disciples did follow Him. In the same way, we may have questions and concerns and falter at times, but we must never stop following Jesus.
Jesus does not require us to know everything about faith or to have all the answers about the deep questions of life. He knows that in following Him we will grow to understand and know Him as the Lord of our lives. We won’t always follow Him perfectly. We will not always be great examples of faith, but He will keep shaping us to be examples of what it means to answer His call and follow Jesus!
Lord Jesus, help us to answer Your call and follow You. And when we don’t do very well, teach us and help us to grow in faith and obedience, Amen.