July 1

The Call To Service

And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him. After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” And at once they left their nets and followed Him. — Mark 1:7-18 BSB

As in the past, Christ still moves through the centers of busy, crowded life, calling people from their nets and boats, from the offices and the marketplaces, or from the quiet of their studies. With His unique and irresistible charm, He says, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Perhaps He has already come to you, casting the mantle of service over you, just as Elijah did to the young plowman following his team.

You might be surprised by this call, but many men and women who responded to Him were similarly surprised when they first heard His summons. Samuel was startled when he heard the divine voice in the night; Gideon was astonished and said, “My family is poor, and I am the least in my father’s house”; Jeremiah responded, “Ah, Lord God! I cannot speak, for I am only a child.” Moses hesitated, feeling unequal to the task God called him to.

Christ’s call often comes to the young—Henry Martyn was among his books, David Livingstone at his loom, Carey at his cobbler’s bench, and Mary Slessor in a Scottish factory. Young people have an amazing ability to learn languages and overcome challenges of different countries, races, or conditions. What others do for fame, position, or wealth, we should be eager to do for Jesus. We are His redeemed servants, and surely He has the right to say to us, “Come, go, do this, follow Me!”

Listen to Christ’s appeal for the millions of souls for whom He died, some of whom He wants to send you to. Give yourself to Him, and let Him fill you with His great passion for their salvation. Don’t focus on your limitations or wonder if your small resources will be enough. Don’t question whether the waves will carry you. Keep your eyes on Him, listen for His voice, and once you are sure of His leading, move forward in His Name. The Jordan will part before you, and the walls of Jericho will fall.

Prayer

Lord, here I am. Send me wherever You will. Just make Your will clear to me beyond any doubt, and work through me to accomplish all Your good purposes. Amen.