Follow Me
THe Lord did not speak these words to all who believed on Him, or who hoped to be blessed by Him, but to those whom He would make fishers of — men. He said this not only at the first calling of — the Apostles, but also later on to Peter: ‘‘ Henceforth thou shalt catch men.’’ The holy art of winning souls, of loving and saving them, can be learned only in close and persistent intercourse with Christ. What a lesson for ministers and for Christian workers and others! This intercourse was the great and peculiar privilege of His disciples. The. Lord chose them that they might be always with and near Him. We read of the choice of the twelve Apostles in Mark 3: 14: ‘‘And He ordained twelve that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.’’ So also our Lord said on the last night (John 15: 27): ‘‘ And ye also shall
bear witness, because ye have been with Me from
the beginning.’’ This fact was noticed by outsiders. Thus, for instance, the woman who spoke to Peter: ‘‘This man was also with Him.’’ So in the Sanhedrin: ‘‘They took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.’’ The chief characteristic and indispensable qualification for the man who will bear witness to Christ is that he has been with Him. Continuous fellowship with Christ is the only “FOLLOW ME” 109
school for the training of ministers of the Holy Spirit. What a lesson for all ministers! It is only he who, like Caleb, follows the Lord fully, who will have power to teach other souls the art of following Jesus. But what an unspeakable grace, that the Lord Jesus Himself would train us after His own likeness, so that others may learn from us. Then we might say with Paul to our converts: ‘‘Ye became followers of us and of the Lord:’’ ‘‘Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.’’
Never was there a teacher who took such trouble with his scholars as Jesus Christ will with us who preach His word. He will spare no pains; no time will be too precious, or too long for Him. In the love which brought Him to the Cross, He would hold intercourse, converse with us, fashion us, sanctify us, and make us fit for His holy service. Dare we still complain that it is too much for us to spend so much time in prayer? Shall we not commit ourselves entirely to the love which gave up all for us, and look upon it as our greatest happiness now to hold fellowship with Him daily. Oh, all ye who long for blessing in your ministry, He calls you to be with Him. Let this be the greatest joy of your life; it will be the surest preparation for blessing in your service. O my Lord, draw me, help me, hold me fast, and teach me how daily to live in Thy fellowship by faith.