The few words that Jesus said to... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and he found Philip and said to him, Follow me.
John 1:43.

The few words that Jesus said to Philip initially had the form of an order, and Philip obeyed it without further ado. Whether he had known the Lord previously Scripture does not state. Christ uttered two short words, and they had their effect. Later Philip became one of the twelve apostles.

If we consider the biblical report of creation, we learn that God said, "Let there be light!" And there was light. God summoned light, and the response came at once. Later the apostle Paul explained: "God calls those things which do not exist as though they did" (Romans 4:17). This transcends our understanding, yet it is so. God calls. And His omnipotent word has an immediate response. God alone can achieve that, and it is commensurate with His authority.

God still calls people today. How do they respond? God has given them the freedom to decide, unlike creation. Many take the liberty to say no. That is an affront for our Creator God. He compels no-one to make the sensible decision. A "no" from self-willed man, however, leads to eternal torment.

Philip decided differently. He followed the Son of God. Ancient church history records that he died a martyr's death. It is clear that he never regretted taking the step to follow Jesus.

"Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?" (Isaiah 50:2).

Today's reading: Leviticus 16:23-34 · Psalms 65:1-13