Keeping Open to Christ's Call

Scripture – Matthew 8:14-18: ¹⁴When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. ¹⁵He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. ¹⁶When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. ¹⁷This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.” ¹⁸When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Peter had a house and people under his care. He at least had his mother-in-law. Possibly he had a wife. I wonder if he had any children. Those are things we’ll never know. However, Peter’s decision to follow Jesus changed his life in many profound ways. And that decision affected other people. That was all part of the cost of discipleship for him. When I keep myself open to Christ’s on-going call in my life, there are risks involved. I’ve been in my present church for many years. My children have grown up in this community. This is the only home they’ve ever known. The Lord has called me to stay in this place a few different times over the years. At the same time, I work at keeping myself open to His call to move to a different place. If that comes, I’ll be ready to respond. Following Jesus always brings changes and costs, along with rich rewards.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As much as I like where I am, I will keep myself open. I will listen for God’s call. I will respond to whatever that may be.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for keeping me in this place all these years. I have appreciated that. Keep me fresh in my service to you and your church. Keep me open to the new things you are doing and the new directions in which you are leading. Keep me open to your continuing direction and call – whether it be to continue here or to move someplace else.