Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.1
At the onset of his ministry, Jesus calls his first disciples. He saw two brothers, Simon (called Peter) and Andrew, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And said to them, “Follow me, . . .” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. From there he saw two other brothers, James and John, in the boat with Zebedee their father, and he called them. Immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.2 Then he saw Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.3 He called his disciples and chose from them twelve . . .4 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority. . . .5
What would have compelled those whom Jesus called to immediately leave everything and follow him? Were they at a point of desperation? Were they suffering difficulty and persecution? Have they seen all and found nothing worthy? Why would they leave business and family to follow Jesus?
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? . . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.6 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.7
Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”8 Continuously, he would teach his disciples. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”9
After Jesus had accomplished his Father’s mission by surrendering his life on the cross, he declares, “It is finished.”10 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. . . And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”11
Notes:
1. Proverbs 3:5-8
2. Matthew 4:18-22
3. Matthew 9:9-13
4. Luke 6:12-16
5. Matthew 10:1-4
6. Romans 8:31-37
7. Hebrews 7:25
8. Psalm 58:11
9. Matthew 10:40,42
10. John 19:30
11. Matthew 28:16-20
