Obey the call

They immediately left their nets and followed Him.      — Mark 1:18

I read about Captain Ray Baker who flew for the Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. The Air Force trained him, along with the other pilots, to run out of their barracks to their planes at the sound of a buzzer. Many times during dinner he had to drop his utensils and bolt to his bomber. He had been trained to respond to the call with immediate obedience. He was so well-trained that one day while on furlough, he ran out of a restaurant when he heard a buzzer.

When Jesus called His first followers, they had an immediacy in their response to His call. The call of these fishermen was abrupt. Yet “they immediately left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1:18). The author of this account, Mark may have wanted to impress upon his readers the authority of Jesus. When He extended the call, these men jumped to obey because helping people enter the kingdom of God was a more compelling adventure and a grander vision than catching fish.

When Jesus issues a call to follow Him, He doesn’t want us to delay. He expects immediate obedience when it comes to telling others the good news. Bring someone the story of salvation today!      — Marvin Williams

Go to the lost, in the home, in the mart,

Delay no longer, today make a start;

Tell them of Jesus who bled for their sin —

From byways of darkness bring others to Him. — Houghton

READ: Mark 1:16-20

Wanted: Messengers to deliver the good news.

The Bible in one year:

• Song of Solomon 4-5

• Galatians 3