Homiletic Monthly John 1:43-44 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and said to him, Follow me.… — The command is for instant obedience. A common objection is, "I have no confidence in my future strength. I must wait until I am stronger before I profess to have devoted my whole life to Christ." Reply — I. YOU ARE LIVING ONLY IN THE PRESENT. The future is not. For you there may be no earthly future, for you may die to-night. Your responsibility is for the now. II. DUTIES WILL COME NOT IN THE MASS, BUT ONE BY ONE. Strength for each is all you will need. III. YOU WILL GROW STRONG FOR COMING DUTIES ONLY AS YOU PERFORM PRESENT ONES. No one can step to the top of the pyramids; but he can climb one block; and from that he can reach another. Says Robert Browning: "I see a duty and do it not, and therefore see no higher." IV. GOD'S GRACE IS PROMISED ONLY FOR TIME OF NEED. No man to-day can be prepared for tomorrow's duties. V. GOD'S STRENGTH IS OUR ONLY STRENGTH, AND THAT IS PLEDGED. "I will be with you even to the end of the world." He "will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape." (Homiletic Monthly.) Parallel Verses KJV: The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. |
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