At Once

Matthew 4:18-20 (TNIV)
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.

“At once… they followed Him.”  When I’ve reached the end of my days, will that be said of me? What an utter failure I’d be if all that can be said of me is, “He was a good man,” or “He was a real nice guy.” But to have such a thing said about us (“At once… they followed Him”) will cost us something. Such radical obedience to the call of our Lord is a direct assault on human sensibility. Such a response would be thought of as utter foolishness in the eyes of men. What about his career? What about retirement? What about his mortgage? What about providing a comfortable life for his family?  What do you mean you won't take costly vacations?  What do you mean gifts and possessions aren't important?  What do you mean you're not going to do this or that?  What do you mean you're not going to "play church?" 

When you become an "at once" follower of Jesus, don't be surprised when your very LIFE becomes an offense to the world of men.  The stink of Jesus will be all over you.  And that will be a beautiful fragrance to some... but a repulsive odor to others.     

“At once, they left their nets and followed Him.”

Conventional wisdom would tell us to temper our response. “Let us consider this for a while.” “Let us truly count the cost.”

“At once, they left their nets and followed Him.”

Will I take the narrow road which leads to life? Will I respond to the call of the Lord “at once?”