The Book of Mark
Chapter 1 (NIV)
16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18At once they left their nets and followed him.
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3 comments:
I love the vision of Simon and Andrew leaving their nets "at once." I picture them just leaping off the boat and leaving their nets in the sea. I'm sure they didn't do that, because it would have been irresponsible. I'm sure they reeled in their nets, organized their things and said their goodbyes. But still - they responded at once to Jesus' call. Jesus commanded them to "follow me" and their lives were changed forever.
I feel that my response to God is usually "I'll be with you in a moment." He is still not primary in my life. In lip service, yes - but in actuality, no. Life gets in the way, and often He is pushed back on my priority or thought list. I go to Him when it is convenient for me or when I need something from Him. I expect service from Him rather than striving to serve Him. I used to like to think that if I had been alive in the time of Jesus that I would have responded like Andrew and Simon. That I would have been a follower of Christ. But now, honestly, I don't think that is true. I think I would have been more like that rich young man who asked Jesus what is required to go to heaven, and after being told to give up all my riches, I would have responded "that's too hard." I am certainly no Donald Trump, but I do let my worldy concerns and figurative riches to take precedence over Jesus. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to re-shape my spirit and will so that I fully take in Jesus and His majesty. That I truly realize that He is my world and All my riches - that without Him everything else is dust.
I just realized that today is Independence Day! Wow, is it ever. Not only is it Independence Day in U.S. history - but every day is Independence Day since the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us rejoice and be glad, today and every day - for we are free, truly free, not only of bondage to other men but also of bondage to our sinful nature. Let us rejoice and be glad!
Continuing with the timing theme I raised when discussing verses 14-15, it is incredible to see how Simon and Andrew were called into the Lord's service. There was no fanfare or prophesy about them (as with the birth of John the Baptist, for example) prior to their being spotted (seemingly by chance) at the lake by Jesus. The lesson here for us perhaps is that no matter who or where we are in our lives, we are not escaping God's notice and plan for us. The other lesson I see here is in the way Simon and Andrew responded to Jesus' outreach. With no fanfare or fuss, they followed Him "at once" (NIV) or "immediately" (NKJV, NASU). My impression is that this UNEQUIVOCAL and UNHESITATING response to Jesus seems to be a standard one throughout the New Testament (for instance, I don't recall anyone ever struggling with the pros and cons). So although we may not get the opportunity to have Jesus physically recruit us in person as did Simon and Andrew, are we prepared to follow Jesus' and be fishers of men in whatever ways we can? How about starting "immediately" or "at once" or now at this very minute? What's stopping us?
I just read SJ's comments. She answers my last question head-on. It is frustrating to realize that we are constantly revealing the immaturity of our faith whenever we think "God is my #1 priority --except that I just have a few other things to take care of first..."
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