“…what is that to thee? YOU FOLLOW ME.” John 21:22
Dear Ones:
The call of Christ of the individual is one that is associated with one’s own name. “…He calls His own sheep BY NAME, and leads them out.” (Jn. 10:3) It is a calling that is not only individual, but specific in its demands: “Come, follow Me.” In those simple words is a world of meaning which is life-changing, and transforming. It is as the heart responds to the voice of God, to trust Him fully, and surrender wholly to His purposes, that the soul truly begins to live, for it lives by the virtue and power of Another’s Life. We might ask at this point, “How do I recognize the ‘voice of God, of Christ,’ by His Spirit? In Psalm 103, David writes concerning “…angels that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening UNTO THE VOICE OF HIS WORD.'” (v.20) It is as we seek God in His word, trusting Him to speak to us in the written word, that He speaks. He makes the word come alive, and we are not only impressed by its nature and veracity, but gripped by the certainty that God is actually speaking to our hearts and souls. This is one reason for which the Lord Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if ANY man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20) He knocks through circumstances to get our attention. He speaks to create a desire to know the truth, to know Him. Thus, the call of God is a call to the individual, by name, unto fellowship with God, with Christ. It is a call to KNOW Him.
What about competing affections that may rival following Christ? The Lord Jesus makes very clear that there is NO relationship with any other person that compares with the inexpressible privilege to love and follow Him. He puts a good many folk in the category of “rival affections:” father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and even one’s own life. Why does He make this so very clear, and how would He have us to live with these individuals who are so very dear? As to the “why,” we need to see that in our relationship with Him, we are dealing with that which is of infinite value, worth, ever-lasting and unchanging in its essence and blessing. There is no higher, nor greater blessing, than that of knowing Christ, and having Him dwelling in our hearts. In that relationship is the greatest prize of all, that for which He suffered and died, to reveal His LIFE in the heart. As to “How” we are to live with the others mentioned, it is only as we are in fellowship with Christ by the Spirit, that we shall have that of highest worth to GIVE to those we love. Our calling envelopes all individuals everywhere, and enables us to truly love them unselfishly. A person who has truly answered the call of Christ has begun to know the meaning of the greatest commandments: To love God with all the heart, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Dear Father, give us eyes to behold Thy Son in an ever-increasing manner. Transform us into His image, so that, in devotion to Him, His life will be revealed in and through us. Then others will taste of the love and goodness of God, and be drawn to Thee. We thank Thee for Thy grace to believe Thee for such, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad