Mark 1:16-20
“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.”
Mark 1:16-20 NIV
Many things that we now take for granted began in very small, unnoticed ways and, often, in out of the way places. For example, Microsoft began in a college dorm room by a young man who would soon drop out of university. Apple had a similarly inauspicious beginning. The rest, as they say, is history. When you think about it, this was how it was when Jesus began His public ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. He started His Kingdom with a very small beginning, in the backwaters of Galilee, with four average and far from outwardly remarkable men. But these men, along with eight others, would eventually be used by the King to turn the world upside down. Note who initiates the calling process. The four men whom Jesus calls were working, focusing on their nets when Jesus saw them and called them. Jesus does the calling. He initiates, His followers respond. This means there is never any reason to be proud of being a Christian. We didn’t do anything. Jesus did the calling. If He didn’t, we would still be in our boats fiddling with our nets. It also means that there is hope for even the most sinful of people because becoming a disciple doesn’t require willpower or moral fortitude. It requires Jesus call. It’s not about what we do, but what He does. We don’t have to be wise, powerful or from noble stock to follow Jesus. We only have to hear His call and respond. Imagine a a body of Christ that is a welcoming and safe place where everyone feels loved, accepted and cared for. Imagine a body of Christ where doubters, seekers and believers feel accepted. Imagine a a body of Christ of every age, race and color, becoming one in Christ. Imagine a body of Christ of fully devoted, spiritual, Christ followers, passionate for an ever-deeper relationship with God. Imagine a body of Christ where the praise, worship and teaching are truly pleasing to God. Imagine Biblical teaching that impacts the lives of adults, children, youth and students from all areas of the local community to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Imagine a body of Christ where everyone is fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit, exercising their God given gifts in joyful and fulfilling service. Being a disciple of Jesus involves a radical commitment to Him and the urgent task of serving Him. That is no less true today than it was for Peter, Andrew, James and John. Jesus doesn't ask most of us to change our vocations. Instead, Jesus wants us to let Him show us how to bless others and bring God into their lives. If we fully follow Jesus, then we are going to see His transforming power in us and in our influence among those around us. "Follow me!" Jesus is asking you and me. Will we follow Him especially at work, school or wherever we may be. So it is Christ who calls, tells, and shows us what to do. And then He gives us His Holy Spirit who empowers us to do it. We are not left out cold, striving, and having to be whipped into shape. But it is out of joy and love that we fishers of men who herald and spread good news!!!
Father thank You for this day and for the reminder of this lesson, to follow Jesus. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow mightily over my friend and family today. Lord help us understand that these are not intended merely to be lessons in ancient history but is the way we are to live today. Let’s remember the same God is alive, the same power is available, the same principle operates, ready for us to be its instrument in any and every situation in which demand is laid upon us. Lord use my friend to be a touch of Your love to all today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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