Following Directions

A helpful modern-day instrument that gives location and directions for travel is a GPS.  The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system which is made up of a network of 24 satellites.  These satellites were originally placed in orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use.  However, in the 1980s, the government made this system available for use by civilians.  When a destination address is placed in a GPS it does not matter where the person is located.  The system automatically calculates the route from where you are to the intended destination.  All you must do is follow directions.

When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He wants us to start from where we are.  We do not need to clean up our lives.  We do not have to complete a bunch of good deeds.  We do not need to do anything to change.  He simply wants us to start following.  After we decide to follow Jesus and begin the wonderful journey of walking with Him, He will teach us and guide us and give us what we need to serve Him.  The Bible tells us about Simon and Andrew who were invited to follow Jesus.  We are told, “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:16-19).

Notice these aspects of this story:

1. Jesus gave an Invitation. “Come, follow me.”  Jesus had a task for the disciples to accomplish.  This invitation was more than a simple request by Jesus; it was a command.  The call that came to the disciples was one that not only needed to be heard, it needed to be followed.
2. Jesus Made a commitment to provide Training.  “I will make you fishers of men.”  Jesus knew that the task He was going to ask the disciples to do was extremely important.  And, if that task was to be accomplished He was willing to invest time with the disciples to teach, train, encourage and guide them.
3. Jesus expected a Response.  “At once they left their nets and followed him.”  The disciples accepted the invitation and immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus.  There was no hesitation on their part to respond positively to Jesus.

Are you willing to heed the call of Jesus to follow Him?  Are you ready for the training that He will give you for the task He wants you to do?  Are you willing to respond to Jesus though immediate obedience?