“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1: 17)

In today’s scripture, Jesus calls the twelve forward for special training in a unique ministry. The group was a motley bunch who came from all walks of life. Some were illiterate, others were called from allegiances to other walks and beliefs, and they were not only unsure of what they were being called to do, but they were not even sure who this carpenter character was. However, after walking with Him for a short while and watching what He did and hearing what He said, they became convinced within their own hearts that they were following the Messiah.

Whatever it was they had been doing when the call came, they laid down their work and got up and followed. Peter even said, “We have left everything to follow You!” Jesus told them that whatever they had left behind, family, positions, homes, siblings, parents, wives and children—for His sake, they would receive a hundred times as much in the eternal life to come.

Today many are called over the noise and confusion of the world. The same calling is received by many today, and the same requirements come with fulfilling that call. God demands no half-way measures—if we are called to minister to others, the fulfillment of that call may require us to “leave” our dreams and goals and priorities behind. But, just as was true with the original followers, if we leave behind that which is worldly and follow the calling of God, we will receive a hundred times as much in the eternity to come. God promises to make us no less than co-heirs with Christ and access to the eternal riches God has prepared for those who trust.

Holy God of Love, may our ears be open to the calling of Your voice and may we be willing to follow, no matter what cost is demanded!