Matthew 4

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Matthew 4:18-22, As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were 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. 

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. 

I think it’s hard for us to imagine how abruptly these four men responded to Jesus.  While there was probably more back story here that we aren’t privy to, the reality is that they left everything to follow Jesus.  They left all human sources of security, all human goals and aspirations to respond to a call by God.  They left their jobs and probably their families to respond to a call, and did so as far as we can tell without hesitation or doubt.   

Could we do the same?  God calls each and every one of us but we still hold on to various aspects of the world.  How often do we fully and completely let go of everything to simply follow Jesus?  This is the demand of the kingdom of God – turn away from the kingdom of the world and give all to a bigger, deeper purpose.  Stop worrying so much about fishing for money, power, or admiration and simply fish for people.   

We may live 2000 years later but this is our mission and call as well.  Do you believe this?  Are you ready to say yes? 

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, We fall short over and over again.  We hold on to the things of the world, we hold tight to human security.  Forgive us.  Free us for joyful obedience.  Give us courage to respond to your call.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.