THE CALL TO SERVICE

Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Mark 1:7-18 NKJV)

Just as in the past, Christ is still passing through the centers of busy, thronging life, calling men from their nets and boats, from the banks and the market places, or from the seclusion of the study, and saying, with His own unique and irresistible charm: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." It may be that He has already come to you, throwing over you the cloak of service, as Elijah over the young plow man while following he followed his team.

You may be startled at the suggestion, but probably all the mighty band of men and women who have responded to His call, were similarly startled when first the call woke them to action. Samuel was startled when the divine voice rang out in the night; Gideon was startled, and replied: "Behold my family is poor, and I am the least in my father's house"; Jeremiah said, when the call came to him: "Ah, Lord God! Behold I cannot speak, for I am a child." Moses drew back, and said that he was unequal for the task to which God called him.

Christ's call comes especially to the young, to Henry Martyn amid his books, to David Livingstone at his loom, to Carey at his cobbler's bench, to Mary Slessor in the Scottish factory, and to many others. Young people have a marvelous power of acquiring languages, and mastering any difficulties of country, race, or condition, and what other men and women are doing for fame, position, and wealth, surely we can do for Jesus. We are His blood bought servants, and surely He has the right to say to each of us, Come, go, do this, follow Me!

Listen to the appeal of Christ on behalf of the millions of souls for whom He died, and to some of whom He wants to send you. Yield yourself to Him, and let Him infuse into you His mighty passion for their salvation. Do not look at your circumstances, or count your five loaves and two small fishes, wondering if they will be enough; or at the waves, questioning if they will hold you up. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and your ears open to His voice, and when once you are sure of His leading, go forward in His name. Jordan will divide before you, and the walls of Jericho will fall flat.

PRAYER

Lord, here am I, send me where ever You will. Only make me know Your will beyond any possibility of mistake, and work through me to accomplish all Your good pleasure. In Jesus’ name I plead it, AMEN.