A Day-by-day devotional

February 6, 2023

No questions asked

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 32-34

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 4: 18-22

The brothers Peter and Andrew were in the process of fishing, whereas the brothers James and John were preparing their nets for fishing, when Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me.” These fishermen immediately left their work and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

Likewise, the tax collector Matthew was in his booth when Jesus called him and said, “Come, follow me.” In the same way as the four fishermen, Matthew left what he was doing and promptly followed Him (Matthew 9:9).

The description of the two narratives was short and simple. Jesus called them. With no delay, they followed. No questions asked.

Who among us today would be able to do the same? Who among us would immediately obey and not find a thousand reasons to think it over, delay or say no?

I would say these were bold and brave men. These five disciples didn’t even take a moment to consider and apprehend. They did not ask what they need to do. They did not inquire where they would be going. They did not bother to question whether what they would be leaving their established lives for offer better security for their future or not. With no questions asked, they just followed.

Considering that Jesus had just started His ministry at the time He invited these guys to join Him, His popularity had just been kicking off. He probably haven’t made a lot of noise yet, regarding the works that he had already been doing. Yet, as if drawn to Him in some way, these guys unquestioningly followed Him. Yes, just like that!

When God asks us to do something, although we are already quite sure that it was God speaking, we would often first get on with our full list of questions. We want to know the how, the why, the when, where, what and who. We want to know everything there is to know. We want to have a full understanding before we say yes and follow.

However, oftentimes, the Lord’s calling to an assignment does not work that way. He calls us to do what He has called us to do, step-by-step. He doesn’t reveal everything to us all at once, but instead, our humble obedience and acts of faith are the keys that lead us to our destination. It is in taking the first step and accomplishing the initial goal that we get to later know what follows next. It is when we close our physical eyes and view things with our spiritual eyes, through faith, that we get to gradually reach where we are headed.

It is when Jesus calls us and says, “Come follow me,” and we follow Him with no questions asked that we get to gradually and eventually find out the how, the why, the what, when, where and who.

No questions asked. Just follow.

Reflection: Would that be possible for you to do?

Prayer: Father, allow me to follow you even when my mind and heart tell me I couldn’t or I shouldn’t. Help me view your calling in my life, with my spiritual and not my physical eyes. Amen.