-January 18, 2025-
Good morning beloved, happy Saturday,
“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.”
(Matthew 9:9).
Christianity is not just a religion, a movement, or cause; it is a way of life. To be ardent followers of Christ we must be committed, obedient, and faithful to Christ, without reservation or hesitation.
The word ardent is defined as, “enthusiastic or passionate; characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support and activity.” Are you an ardent follower of Christ?
Jesus called Matthew the tax collector with two simple, clear, and direct words: “Follow Me.” Some like Matthew followed right away, others it took more time. In Matthew’s case he was a tax collector for the Roman government. Tax collectors cheated their own people, overcharging them and pocketing the rest. They were hated by the Jews and despised by the Romans.
Tax collectors had few friends, especially outside the circle of tax collectors. Jesus showed that He was the friend of tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees blamed Him for it, God commended Him for it.
We may have one or more passions in life. As believers Jesus should be our passion; the Word of God should be our passion; the people of God should be our passion; the love of God should be our passion. Paul was so passionate for Christ, He said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He was willing to live for Christ alone, and die for Christ and he did.
Nothing and no one can stymie, slow down, or stop an ardent follower of Christ. There is a wonderful hymn entitled, “I Have Decided to Follow Christ.” The first verse says, “I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.”
Let us be ardent followers of Christ, with no turning back. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
Following Jesus is living with Him, for Him, and by Him with joy and zeal.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 