And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Luke 5:11
Why do you follow Jesus? Have you ever taken the time to examine your motives and pray that God reveals your hearts intent? For many, they seek their own benefit. They want to be healed, but they don’t want to follow (Luke 17:17, ten lepers are cleansed but only one returns). They want to be blessed, but they don’t want to fully submit (Mark 10:22, the rich young ruler walks away, he desires eternal life but is unwilling to give up all to obtain it).
They want the fellowship, but they do not want to change (II Thes. 3:11, some among the brethren continued to walk in disobedience). These things should not be! Simon (Peter), Andrew, John, and James had witnessed the incredible power of Christ to bring forth such blessing that they were barely able to contain it all, but immediately after they forsook all of it to follow Him. Many people today would have taken the blessing and walked away, content to live their lives the way they always had. They received what they truly desired, earthly treasure rather than heavenly. They see God as a means to better living, a way to profit in the here and now, but true believers are willing to forsake everything to gain Christ and Him alone.
Recall the words of Peter when many of Christ’s followers left Him. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). They sought more than temporary gain, and nothing would deter them from obtaining it. They were willing to give up all this world offered for that which cannot be taken away. Is His sacrifice and His promise enough for you, or are you discontent? If we do not continually kneel before the cross, pouring ourselves out to be filled by Him, discontentment will seep in like a plaque, stealing our heart and distracting us from what truly matters.
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:20
