“Follow Me”

Simon Peter and his fishing partners, James and John, were just going about normal life until Jesus appeared on the scene. Jesus found them washing nets one morning after a long night of catching nothing. Levi, the tax collector, was manning his tax booth when Jesus walked by and offered him a new job. Nathanael was hanging out under a fig tree.
But when Jesus shows up and asks them to “Follow me” they drop what they’re doing and leave their old lives behind.

When the Lord asks the same of me, do I respond as quickly as those first disciples? Do I lay aside whatever preoccupies me, like Peter, James and John, who laid aside washing and mending their nets, to follow Christ? Or do I make excuses to stay behind in what is comfortably known? I’m good at “net mending.” I know what is needed for the job. I’ve done it a million times before. It’s safe.

Following Christ can be scary. I don’t always know where He’d going to take me. It’s not always safe. And I like safe.

I’m reminded of that quote from Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe:

‘If there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than me or else just silly.’

‘Then he isn’t safe?’ asked Lucy.

‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver. ‘Don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.’

No. Following Christ isn’t safe or comfortable. But He’s good. He’s the King. And I want to step out of what’s comfortable and follow. When I hear His beckoning voice saying, “Follow me” I want my answer to be a joyful, “Yes!”