The One Who Called

“Come, follow me,” the Master called to Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Immediately they left their nets and boats and followed Him. “Follow me,” He called out to Matthew the tax collector. Immediately, he left his collecting booth and ran after the Master.

“Come, and follow me,” The Master called out to Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus. Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot were also called. All twelve men left all they had and all that they were to follow the One who had called them. They did not know where the path would lead them. Sometimes it was bright and sunny; at other times it was dark and stormy. Still they pressed on; following the One who had called them.

“Come, follow me,” my Master says to me. The road ahead looked bright and sunny with no clouds, no rain in sight. Enthusiastically I followed close behind, not wanting Him to get too far ahead. “This is wonderful,” I thought. “I could do this for the rest of my life.”

“Follow me,” the Master calls again. The road ahead was covered by clouds and rain. It wasn’t so easy this time, but I took His hand and began to walk down an unknown, wet path. This road was full of curves and I never knew which one would lead me back to my familiar sunny path. Still I followed on, pressing closer to the One who had called.

“Come and follow me,” the Master called once more. The road ahead was pitch black, with twists and turns every which way. I couldn’t see the end. I was barely out of the cloudy road and now He wants me to walk on this road?! I reached out my hand and held on to His. What security is found as I hold His hand. We started off on this dark path. I grew frightened, but my Master whispered, “I will never leave you or forsake you. Trust Me.”

So here I am walking down a dark, unfamiliar path with no end in sight. As I walk I press closer to the Master who’s leading me along. No matter what lies around the next bend I will press on, following the One who called.