Some years back a man came on the scene. He spoke about things that came true. He understood the human condition of mankind. He seemed to know people who did not know Him. And, He claimed to be, well something quite outrageous….the Son of God. You just can’t say that! Right? Seems to be utter lunacy if you ask me. That’s exactly what I’d think if someone came into my hometown and started talking about things we’d like to know about but cannot fully comprehend.
Then….He healed people! Many people, right in front of other people’s eyes. Woah! He didn’t just make this up to get attention, or money or fame. And, He changed hearts. He performed miracles. Most people didn’t know what to do with this guy. He was really causing a stir in His quiet way. And He would say, “Come, follow Me.”
In the early Spring of 1976, Jesus pressed heavy upon my heart to “Come, follow Me.” I knew who He was. I knew what He did. I new about Holy week and the Easter story. And I believed it all because I was taught at a very young age that the bible, every word of it was inerrant, true….factual…..trustworthy. And yes, I prayed. I knew the Lord’s Prayer and I prayed “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep,” but honestly, I was running my own life and I really didn’t have time for Him.
Many times, over a period of several years, Jesus would press upon my heart to invite me into His realm, His kingdom, His family. I wanted to, yet, I wanted what I wanted. I wanted to blaze my own trail, be my own person without His restrictions. And so, I’d turned Him away thinking, “No, not today, but soon…perhaps.” I did have the thought at times, “What if I wait too long? Then what?” I knew right from wrong. I was a pretty good person and so that was all I needed. Truly, I was tried.
But that word of God, that living word of God bothered me to no end. For, “The word of God is living and active and sharper that a double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:12,13 YIKES!
One last time He pressed upon my heart, “Come, follow Me.” He was relentless in His pursuit; and I, well I, had the weight of the world on my shoulders. Into His loving arms I finally surrendered. I finally surrendered FULLY. Before it was 10% here and 20% there. This time, that chilly March evening, I let go of it all. “My life is yours, Lord. I am a sinner and You are now my Savior and Lord of my life. Yes, I Will Follow You……from now on.
Once I started on my “journey with Jesus” the word of God came alive in me and I just couldn’t put it down. I was invited to a couple bible studies where I learned so much and where I met new friends who each had had an encounter with Christ. And in one of my bible studies we were assigned to memorize the bible verse for each lesson. Guess what the very first verse memory verse was??Yep….Matthew 4:19, “Come follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” It’s imbedded in my mind.
Some years back, a Man came on the scene. That Man, Jesus, who created the world and everything in it, left Heaven and came to earth for only one purpose, TO RESCUE SINNERS BECAUSE HE LOVES US SO MUCH. HE WANTS NO ONE TO PERISH. Is Jesus pressing upon your heart today to, “Come, follow Me.” Oh, I hope you say yes, this day, for this day is the first day of the rest of your life, and you want Jesus close beside you. I promise you, you will not regret it.
Jesus says, “Follow Me” to you today. His path is not always easy, but He is always with us, for He will never leave you or forsake you when you choose to live for Jesus Christ.
To learn more about the scripture verses that lead you to a relationship with Jesus, please click here:
