Follow Me

Written By Betty Predmore

MATTHEW 4:12-25

(January 4)

John gets arrested. Jesus leaves Judea to return to Galilee. And so it begins…

This is when Jesus begins his three-year tenure as teacher. His main message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven us near.”

Why did Matthew describe it as the “Kingdom of Heaven”, instead of saying “The Kingdom of God” like Mark and Luke? Was he referring to the same place?

Yes, he was. But he had a reason for changing the last word from God to Heaven. He is writing this book to the Jews. Jewish people, out of reverence and respect, did not pronounce God’s name. He wanted to honor that custom yet still make his point.

It is at this point in time that Jesus becomes a fisher of men. He first encounters Peter and Andrew, who threw down their fishing nets to follow him upon his request.

Just a little further up the shore, brothers James and John were boating with their father, Zebedee. Jesus called for them to come too, and they left their father in the boat and followed him.

I try to imagine that. How it must have been to leave all that was known and familiar, and follow a complete stranger into the unknown. Leaving family must have been hard. I know it would be for me.

Have you ever picked up and moved away from your family? I have done that, in an effort to be with other family. It was hard to leave the family that would be left behind, and hard to leave friends that are dear to my heart.

What trust these men must have had in Jesus! If they only knew all that they were about to learn and witness in the next few years!

They followed him throughout Galilee as he taught in synagogues and shared the gospel. He healed sicknesses and diseases, and it wasn't long before his reputation was preceding him. People with sickness began to flock to him. For many, he was the last hope in a near hopeless situation.

Wherever he went, the masses followed. His following grew as his teaching spread. Peter, Andrew, John and James witnessed amazing things … all because of their obedience when Jesus said, “Follow me.”

How about you?

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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