Read: Matthew 4:18-23

Follow Me, and I will make
you fishers of men.
-Matthew 4:19

“Follow me!” That was the invitation given by
Marshall Applewhite, self-appointed leader of the
Heaven’s Gate cult. He promised to those who would
become his disciples that he would teach them how they
could move on to a higher level of life in a new world.
Sincere but gullible men and women heeded his call.
They left families, friends, homes, and jobs to live and
work together and to obey their leader’s teachings.

Those 38 disciples followed him even when he told them
to commit suicide. He said they would be liberated
from terrestrial bondage and enter into an exalted state
of being. In March 1997 they followed their leader to
death and eternal loss.

The true Leader, Jesus Christ, gives the invitation,
“Follow Me” (Mt. 4:19). But He is the opposite of
Marshall Applewhite. After Jesus’ death on Calvary’s
cross, He arose from the grave and is alive forevermore
(Mt. 28:6; Rev. 1:18). When we respond to His call to
follow Him as our Savior, our Master, our Lord, He
forgives all our sins (Col. 2:13). and promises an
abundant life of joy and hope (Jn. 10:10). And someday
we will live with Him eternally in the glory of heaven
(1 Jn. 5:11-13).

Be sure to follow the right Leader!
Vernon C. Grounds

Controlling other people’s lives
Is not a godly leader’s trait;
But serving other people’s needs
Is what the Lord considers great. -Sper

MANY LEADERS HAVE RISEN TO GREATNESS;
ONLY JESUS HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.