Thursday
What could possibly happen on an ordinary, average day? Could Jesus show up on your doorstep? Your work?
Jesus ministry starts out first with a struggle with satan and temptation and then He moves on to the matter of getting His team together. It starts out pretty common place. (Vs 18) “One day when Jesus was walking along.” (vs 18) Isn’t it interesting how Jesus can turn an average day into something amazing. I am pretty sure that Peter and Andrew and James and John had no idea how their lives were going to change on that day. They were doing what they always did… fishing. Casting nets and hauling in fish. Repair the nets (pretty sure that had to happen a lot) This was their livelihood, how they supported themselves and their families.
I also noticed that Jesus didn’t say much to them. And there was no hesitation in their actions to follow Him. Do you supposed they had heard Jesus earlier, did they witness his baptism and the dove (the Holy Spirit) and God’s voice speaking? We don’t know. There isn’t any indication that they were there. But whatever happened, they followed “immediately” leaving behind the life they knew, the life they were familiar with. All to follow this one man.
Could you do it? Could you follow without looking back? Looking back can get you into a lot of trouble, just ask Lot’s wife. Have you decided to follow? I know that when my calling came, when Jesus beckoned to me I had a million questions running around in my head, but in the end there simply was no other choice. I had to follow. Have I always followed faithfully? I wish I could say yes, but the truth is, there have been many times when I’ve slipped away, hoping that Jesus wouldn’t notice I was heading down a different path, but then like the Good Shepherd He is, He would come after me.
We know from scripture that the disciples have their share of trials and difficulties. They all scatter and leave Him at the crucifixion (except for John), Peter even denies Jesus. But then, Jesus comes backs to them and what are they doing? Fishing. He basically is calling them again. You see, Jesus meets us where we are, and loves us and wants us to follow Him, but when we mess up, He is right there, too. Reconciling us, restoring us.
So has Jesus called to you? What are you doing about it?
Shalom
Pastor Kathy