He asks for absolute surrender!

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(J.R. Miller, "Daily Bible Readings in the Life of Christ" 1890)

"Follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

"They immediately left their nets, and followed Him." Matthew 4:20

Their nets were probably all that they owned! It was with these, that they earned their living. Yet at the call of Christ--they gave up all, cut themselves off from their means of support, and in simple obedience and faith, went with Him.

That is just what we all should do--when Christ calls us. We should obey instantly and without questioning. No matter how much the sacrifice involves--we should make it cheerfully for His sake. Though to obey cuts us off from all our ordinary means of livelihood, and leaves us without provision even for tomorrow--we should not hesitate. Christ takes care of His servants--when they are faithfully doing His will. He asks for absolute surrender to Him. He wants us to trust Him--while we obey Him unquestioningly.

The faith in Christ which the gospel requires--is the utter, unreserved devotement of the whole life to Him, and the unquestioning commitment to Him for time and for eternity--of every interest and hope. The question of what He will do with us or for us, or how He will provide for us--should not be raised for an instant. There must be no 'conditions'--in the following and the consecration. We may not 'bargain' with Jesus for an easy time, for 'smooth and pleasant paths'--but should simply give ourselves to Him absolutely and forever, to follow where and to whatever He may lead us.

The "immediately" is also important. Many people are forever postponing duties. But every call of Christ should be answered immediately. Many people obey so laggardly, so reluctantly, and so long after they are called--that half the value of their obedience is lost! Christ always wants instant obedience. There is no 'tomorrow' with Him. Tomorrow He may not have any need of us, or we may not be here to do the duty which He now asks of us.


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