Sometime after His resurrection from the dead Jesus met His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. On that occasion He reinstated Peter as His disciple. That was necessary, because Peter had denied Him a few weeks earlier while He was on trial. Among the encouraging words He spoke to Peter was this simple statement, "Follow me" Jn 21: 19). This was not only a call to service, but also a note of acceptance. By this invitation Peter was declared to again be worthy of discipleship. And Peter gladly accepted that call to serve and followed Jesus and served Him faithfully.

We too receive the call from Jesus, "Follow me." When we are discouraged or despondent, we are apt to regard the call to follow Jesus not only as impossible, but also as an imposition. If we follow Jesus, we can no longer do as we please or live as our own desires dictate. We will be compelled to deny ourselves and take up our cross, as He indicates in Scripture. That doesn't sound too inviting. We may not have to suffer martyrdom like Peter and most of the other apostles, but we may have to bear a certain amount of ridicule and resentment.

Why then should we answer the call and follow Jesus? Because to follow Him is the highest of all callings. It is the one thing needful, regardless of cost. It means that Jesus accepts us, no matter what great sinners we have been, no matter how badly we have denied Him, no matter how long and loud we have insisted that we don't want to have anything to do with Him. He is the Savior of sinners, and that includes all of us. He proves He forgives us and accepts us by inviting us to follow Him. We should consider that a great privilege. Like Peter we need to heed that call and follow Him.

 

Blessings,

Steve

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