Matthew 4:22 (KJV) And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Matthew 4:22 (NLT) They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
As I was reading this passage again, this verse spoke to me more than usual! James and his brother John were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Now many might think to themselves that well they must lose so much to follow Christ! Of course, this is what this idol-filled world makes us think. I hear it quite a lot: “I am busy with myself, I don’t have time to think about God.” Also, this week when we went evangelising one of the girls we were speaking to felt like choosing God will mean leaving behind many things she enjoys.
The lie here is that you think you lose when you follow Christ – It is not about what you leave behind, but rather about what you GAIN!
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3 ESV)
We live in a generation where we tend to hold on to everything. Our identity is found in how big our house, cars and salary is. none of the latter is bad but if your core identity if found in worldly things then you are worshipping the wrong God. When we die, all these will stay behind but true eternal life is found in knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV) tells us: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Choosing Jesus is living for Christ with a hope of eternal life!
Our forefather Abraham lived by faith to the level that he did not consider his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb – he was fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised – giving them a child (Romans 4:19-21). He let go of his own understanding to trust God.
Just like James and his brother John they did not look at the outside world to dictate whether they would follow Jesus or not. And in the process, they might have lost a part in their earthly family business but they gain eternal purpose in God’s family business.
Following Christ means letting go of who you think you are for God to reveal who you really are! This might mean:
- Letting go of your old habits to find the fullness of joy and righteousness in Christ
- Letting go of your fears to find real peace in the arms of the Father
- Letting go of friends to find real fulfilment in the word of God – and finding life friends who encourage your calling
- Letting go of our selfish plans to seek God’s plan & living to reflect the love of Christ
It is not about what you think you let go but about all you GAIN in Christ Jesus. (For we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7)
