Mon., 1/4/16 Devotion (Matt. 4:21c, 22)

Today's encouragement comes from Matthew 4:21c & 22, where we read these words:

"He [Jesus] called them, and immediately they [the two disciples] left the boat and their father, and followed Him."

When God calls people to Himself, through the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit, they leave everything, and follow their New Master (Jesus). Such was the case (above) of James and John, two of the Savior's first disciples. All that was necessary for them to follow the Redeemer was the "call," (nothing else).

Note the amazing power of this divine Messianic call: these men were willing to leave their livelihood, and their families, to follow the Christ around Judea and Galilee. This very same call still goes out today; and upon everyone who is chosen, the blessedness of union with Christ is sealed, and they become His faithful churched disciples.

[Puritan quote of the day: "That choice part of mankind, the first-fruits and ex-cellency of the rest, . . . we call the church.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]