|
Matthew 4:18-20
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. |
This passage came to mind while recently standing on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. I imagined Jesus walking over the same hills that we had just driven down as He saw Peter and Andrew down by the sea. Up until this trip I had never given any thought to them being the first disciples. But while standing on the shores and seeing the general path that Jesus walked to get there, I couldn't help but think that He likely encountered many other people along the way. Then came the question that continued to run through my mind, "Were they the first ones that He called out to, or were they just the first ones that were willing to accept it?"
Continuing to reflect on it, I began to think about the calling He has placed on each of our lives. How many times has He casually but assuredly walked by the shores of my life but found me too busy to "leave my nets" and "follow Him"? Throughout the trip there was a continual reminder that that He has called His children to be "bold as lions" (Proverbs 28:1). The enemy is literally shouting out on every rooftop, while many of His children barely whisper His name in the church and the streets. What happened to the days when His children were willing to rip through those same rooftops to lower one sick man into His presence because there were too many people already surrounding His feet? There were many take aways from my trip, but perhaps the one that stands out the most is that it is time for me to stop talking about a future calling, and to start walking in a present purpose. God is undoubtedly calling us into "deeper waters" (Luke 5:4). But the reality is, we can never get to the calling of tomorrow without walking through the purpose of today.
Father,
Thank you for adopting us as Your sons and daughters! Thank you for the privilege of being able to carry Your holy name! Help us to become as bold as lions - unafraid, unashamed, powerfully and boldly proclaiming Your praise! Thank You for being love and for loving us! Help us to share that same love with others. In Jesus mighty and all-powerful name we pray! Amen.
Continuing to reflect on it, I began to think about the calling He has placed on each of our lives. How many times has He casually but assuredly walked by the shores of my life but found me too busy to "leave my nets" and "follow Him"? Throughout the trip there was a continual reminder that that He has called His children to be "bold as lions" (Proverbs 28:1). The enemy is literally shouting out on every rooftop, while many of His children barely whisper His name in the church and the streets. What happened to the days when His children were willing to rip through those same rooftops to lower one sick man into His presence because there were too many people already surrounding His feet? There were many take aways from my trip, but perhaps the one that stands out the most is that it is time for me to stop talking about a future calling, and to start walking in a present purpose. God is undoubtedly calling us into "deeper waters" (Luke 5:4). But the reality is, we can never get to the calling of tomorrow without walking through the purpose of today.
Father,
Thank you for adopting us as Your sons and daughters! Thank you for the privilege of being able to carry Your holy name! Help us to become as bold as lions - unafraid, unashamed, powerfully and boldly proclaiming Your praise! Thank You for being love and for loving us! Help us to share that same love with others. In Jesus mighty and all-powerful name we pray! Amen.
SHARE THIS DEVOTION