Matthew Henry whose piety and publication we honoured in our meditation yesterday was born to Philip Henry (a minister of the gospel) and Catherine Matthews, an heiress to a large estate in Broad Oaks. Catherine’s father expressed some reservations concerning her intention to marry Philip on the ground that, ‘’Nobody knows where he came from.’’ Catherine with wit and courage replied her father, ‘’True, but I know where he is going, and I should like to go with him.’’ That determination led to one of the greatest gifts ever given to the Christendom – the birth of Matthew Henry. In Catherine’s words is found a critical principle of making decisions, not just with regards to marriage but other aspects of life. Before committing to a person or path, we should wait to ponder which way it’s leading. This principle teaches us that while background is important, it is not as crucial as the foreground. A person with poor background but with clear vision coupled with passion is worth following.

“Before committing to a person or path, we should wait to ponder which way it’s leading… A person with poor background but with clear vision coupled with passion is worth following.”

Let us put an eternal spin on this truth. Followers of Mohammed and those familiar with Islamic literatures will testify to his own admission that he did not know where he was going. He was unsure of acceptance on the day of great assizes. Jesus is different. Clearly He said that He was going to the Father; and promised to come back to take with Him those who believe. In our text, He offered the promise to those who follow Him; that they would be where He is. Jesus knew where He was going —to the right hand of the Father. Jesus is the Captain of our salvation; following Him poses no risk at all.