Mark 1:14-20 is about Jesus calling the fisherman—Andrew, Simon, James and John—to drop their nets and follow him. I have known professional fisherman and have seen the deep commitment they have for their work: leaving early in the morning, no matter what the weather and sea conditions, to haul their nets, fill their boat, and return.
What was it about Jesus that made these four—and millions since—drop what they were doing, walk out of their old life, and step into faith’s unknown future? What did they see, what did they hear, that convinced them that Jesus promised a far better life, a more meaningful way to move in the world, than what they were currently experiencing?
When did you hear Jesus beckon to you with the words, “Follow me”? Have you been willing to drop all that is predictable, all that is safe, all that makes sense, to fully enter into the life that Jesus invites you to? What keeps you from entering completely into the ways of Jesus?
I invite you to sit in prayer, listen for the voice of Jesus saying, “Follow me.” What is it Jesus wants of you, from you? What part of God’s plan cannot be fulfilled unless you step out in faith? Are you willing to let go of whatever nets you cling to, to step out of the life you know for one that leads you more fully into the Way of Love?
"What keeps you from entering completely into the ways of Jesus?"
ReplyDeleteI think people fear the holiness of God, even as they love their own sin and don't have faith that God can purify them from it. This is by no means helped by those who would ignore sin, or even go as far as calling sin good.
Scripture is clear on two things, "without holiness, none may see the Lord" and yet "God is the one moving you to will and to act". Paul in several places describes examples of uncleanness that make one unable to inherit the Kingdom. And he also expresses how ones who were filled with such things could be washed clean, could escape from those things.