Matthew 4:19

ON FOLLOWING CHRIST

‘He saith unto them, Follow Me.’

Matthew 4:19

This was at the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. The call to St. Peter and St. Andrew comes to us as well. Let us try to take in something of His meaning. We may regard Christ as saying—

I. In His wanderings and sojournings.—‘Be where I am. In the house, and by the way; in company and alone.’ So the first disciples followed Him, and so ought we. He is the Shepherd, the Master, the Teacher, the Friend. ‘Walk with God.’ Go where you know He would have gone; never where He would have shrunk from. Stand by Him in the Judgment Hall, at the Cross. When others forsake, draw closer to Him. ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.’ When you have denied Him, get near to Him again, that that look which melted St. Peter’s heart may rest on you.

II. In His labours.—‘We are workers together with Him.’ Let Christ’s chosen works be yours; His zeal yours. What strength and hope it gives to know that you are sharing Christ’s work.’ ‘The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name.’ When you turn weary and despondent, say to your hearts, ‘It is Christ’s work.’ Feeding the hungry, cheering the sad, seeking the lost.

III. In His spirit.—‘Let this mind be in you which was in Christ.’ No working for applause, or even thanks; but from love and pity. ‘Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.’

IV. And lastly, follow Christ to glory.—‘If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified together.’ Can Christ be separate hereafter, and in heaven, from those who bound up their destinies with Him here? ‘To him that overcometh will I give to sit on My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father on His throne.’

—Prebendary Gordon Calthrop.