Matthew 4:18-20

As I consider this aspect of forsaking all, I can’t help but think of the fishermen who were given an invitation to follow Jesus. When I looked up the Greek word “follow,” I discovered it was an imperative form of the word.  Therefore, this was not a soft gentle request, but a strong admonishment with a sense of urgency and authority.  It was not a “Hey do you all want to hang out together?”  It was an invitation that required a purposeful decision.

Here are some of the meanings of the word follow:

1: to go, proceed, or come after;

2: to engage in as a calling or way of life: pursue

3: to be or act in accordance with <follow directions>           

4: to accept as authority: obey

5: to seek to attain

6: to copy after: imitate

7: to watch steadily b: to keep the mind on;

8: to attend closely to:

They were given an invitation to choose to engage in a way of life that was different than what they had been experiencing.  This choice would require them to willingly pursue and follow after Jesus.  In doing so, they would be accepting his authority in their life. 

This act of following involved more than just an emotional response of their heart.  It would require the engagement of their mind as well, as they committed to keeping their mind on him as they listened and followed his direction.

It was a decision to forsake their own way of life and imitate the one they chose to follow.  In making this decision they also chose to embrace who Jesus was and not just what He could provide. 

There is call is going out in this hour, as never before; an invitation that brings a promise of fruitfulness, but requires a commitment.  Will you forsake all and trust Him, and become all that you were destined to be?  The decision is yours.

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Mark 12:30