Daily Devotions – Following Jesus

Daily Devotions – Following Jesus

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Mark 1:14-20  (NIV)
Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples
16 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. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

 

What is it about Jesus that makes you follow him?

 

Jesus, I have messed things up in my life. I have experienced the failures that come from making my own selfish decisions. You saw the mistakes I made, the things I did, and the words I said, but You loved me anyway. You pursued me when I was far from You and called me to follow You. The disciples followed You when You called them, faults and all. They followed You even though they had no idea where it would lead. You used them as agents of change.  I follow You because of who You are and because of Your great love. You loved me so much that while I was still a sinner, You died for my sins. You took the burden of my guilt on yourself and died on the cross for me. You made a way for me to spend eternity with You. Now I am submerged in Your Grace and overwhelmed with gratitude. Following You has filled the gaping hole inside of me that yearns for spiritual fulfillment. You gave me Your Spirit so that I could have an intimate relationship with You. It is personal!  Following You has transformed my life. You are my Father and Friend. Following You is belonging to Your family and kingdom. There are still times when things look dark and the future is unknown but when I follow You, my eyes are focused on You instead of fear. To follow You is to have trust in You for my needs and have hope in the future as You lead me. Following You is to be open to where You are leading me and going where You tell me to go. Lord, I will follow You even when I have no idea where it would lead. Use me to be Your agent of change. Let me be selfless as I follow You to eternity. Amen