Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
This passage of scripture teaches us of both the call and the response to discipleship, as it comes to us directly from God. In this instance, Peter and Andrew his brother were doing what fishermen do, they were fishing, being gainfully employed, for this is how they paid their bills, a method that has the backing of scripture, for the Bible tells us that those who will not work if they can, will not eat. But even though what they were currently doing was based on the teachings of scripture, yet there is a higher calling that should always take precedence over the command to work for our daily bread, and that higher calling is the call to discipleship.
It's worthy of note that in response to this call as made by Christ, the men immediately left their nets and followed Him, even though their income was at stake in this decision. What is even more striking is that they did not consult first with the wife and the kids to find out what they thought about the whole matter, but rather obeyed implicitly the call to follow Jesus from that point forward. Now there are some arguments to the contrary that can be raised, and there are some apparently valid questions they could have asked, before responding in the positive. How was the mortgage note that was due that month going to be paid? And what about the electric bill with the cutoff date that must also be addressed? And what about their children's education, their groceries, their retirement, and the host of other valid concerns they would have?
Now while it is true that our decisions, especially as head of the household, could adversely affect those under our jurisdiction, yet the call to discipleship trumps all other concerns and interests, and while it is true that we are to have the eternal interests of our families in mind, yet that call from God comes to us individually, and not in groups, and therefore our response should never be contingent upon the ideas and opinions of others, for those who choose to go the route of consulting with their families first, often run the risk of being discouraged from taking up the mantle of responsibility which comes with the call to discipleship. On a certain occasion when Christ called a man to follow him, he stated that he would like to bury his father first, but Christ remonstrated, and then implied that his priorities needed to be corrected. And furthermore, our highest devotion should be to God first, and then to family members and friends, a truth that is clearly stated by Christ Himself. Let's read:
Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
In our own experiences, the call to discipleship comes to us, and for many years we may have put it off for some reason or another. With some it was the wife or husband who thought that too much sacrifice would be involved. With others it nay have been in-laws and "outlaws", who believed that temporal interests should take precedence. Whatever the excuse or reasoning might have been in times past, The Lord is now again asking us personally to follow Him, and as with Peter and Andrew, it will be well if our decision to do so may be made individually and not on a collective basis, for we are not saved in groups nor by families, but everyone who will pass through the pearly gates must choose to follow Christ for themselves.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to make that all-important choice without delay, for it is indeed the most important decision that can be made in our lives. Let's read:
Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him".... 7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts"... 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!