Message
Yesterday, I discussed the story of the prodigal son and how he returned home to his father when he realised he could not make himself. Today, I will examine the lives of Jesus’ disciples and how He made all of them, except Judas Iscariot. When Jesus called His disciples in today’s memory verse, He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” For example, by the time He was done with Peter, Peter became so famous and influential that today, over 2,000 years later, we are still talking about him. Those who allowed God to make them in the Scriptures have remained relevant up until now.
When God makes a fellow, He adorns the fellow with beauty and glory and gives him or her a purpose for living. Jesus told His disciples that by following Him, they would become fishers of men. He fulfilled this promise, and they all became great fishers of men (, ), and He kept them all until the end, except the son of perdition (). All these happened because they followed Jesus.
God cannot make you when you are not following Him consistently. Just because you followed Him yesterday doesn’t mean that you can live life by yourself today. Following Him is a daily decision. A famous songwriter once wrote, “I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back.” When you truly follow Jesus, it will be evident in your words, actions, and lifestyle. After the disciples had followed Jesus for some time, the religious leaders observed them and noted that they had truly been with Jesus (). If you truly follow Jesus, it will be evident for people to see. When you leave raw meat on fire to cook, for example, no matter how tough it is, it will eventually become soft. Sadly, many believers attend church services and other Christian programmes frequently; however, there is no tangible change in their behaviour and attitude.
Beloved, it is time to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and allow Him to make you if you haven’t done so yet. It is time to let go of all forms of worldliness in your life; lay them aside, and follow Jesus. Jesus makes only those who follow Him. He purifies and prunes only the branches that abide in Him (). Don’t waste your life chasing meaningless things; follow Jesus and let Him make you who He has destined you to become.