Day 5What part of this passage stands out to you most? For me, it's the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, John and James. Once Jesus extended the invitation to them to follow him, they left immediately. There was absolutely no hesitation, no "I'll-be-ready-in-twenty-minutes-because-i-have-to-pack", no tearful goodbyes to family members.
Read Mark 1:14-20
The invitation to these four men on that warm afternoon on the Sea of Galilee is to us too. “You can be part of this great fishing expedition of getting my children under my umbrella of love and grace”.
So often I find that when Jesus calls me to do something, I take my sweet time doing it. Sometimes I'll question whether it's something He really wants me to do; or I'll try to come up with a million excuses why I'm not fit for the job. I should learn from these four disciples and their willingness to drop everything immediately for Jesus.
One last fun thing: I can't help but think of the Sunday School song we used to sing...
I will make you fishers of men, fishers of me, fishers of men
I will make you fishers of men, if you follow me.I tried finding a video of this song just for fun, and somehow landed on this 'updated' version. I thought it was appropriate given our recent discussions about, ahem, modern translations of the Bible. Couldn't resist sharing :-)
I would have been the guy asking what the medical plan was like, and will my 401k contributions be matched. These apostles gave their family business up at the drop of a hat, it is amazing, and sadly, I doubt I could make the same decision. Also, I have scripture to provide me a big picture; not an expert, but didn't these apostles only have the prophesy of a coming messiah to rely on, it is humbling.
ReplyDeleteSam I agree completely. I am humbled by these men also. I feel so cynical sometimes because I would be afraid of giving up my comfort. Leaving your livelihood to follow Jesus would have taken so much faith and yet these simple fishermen stepped out in faith!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read something like this I have to look back at myself a little. Has God asked me to move to Africa? I don't think so. Has he asked me to step out in much simpler ways like doing a Saturday serve, RFKC, TRAC, or Oasis for example. I think the answer to that is yes and yet I don't do those things. This is where I am VERY humbled. I haven't been asked to give up my job, but I am reluctant to give what I have been asked to sacrifice.
How much experience of Jesus do you think these guys had prior to Jesus actually asking them? Jesus is an adult here, and yet he had been preaching in the temple since he was about 12 years old. While my first thoughts are right in line with what you all state above, my second thought is 'what an honor!'. These guys were chosen for a very difficult job this side of heaven, yet extremely rewarding on the other side. Do you think these guys had great faith in God Almighty that when the Son of God was present, there was no doubt in their mind it was Him? I'm reminded of the verses that talk about knowing truth, studying truth, staying close to truth, so that when falsehoods come, you'll recognize it. Let us all draw closer to God; closer to Jesus; through his Word; through quiet time with Him; in prayer and petition. When Jesus is calling us to do something, we'll recognize it. Give us/me the courage to drop everything and say YES. K
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