Matthew 4:17-22, Genesis 12:1-4a
The immediacy of Simon, Andrew, James, and John’s decision to follow Jesus is somewhat ridiculous. It could leave even the most faith-filled of people scratching their heads. All decency of reason would say that no one should make such a quick and rash decision to leave a livelihood for some stranger’s beck and call. You should consult mentors and family, take some time, and pray.
But they didn’t. Why? Did Matthew forget some other mesmerizing words with which Jesus wowed them? Did the Lord perform some quick trick or miraculous sign? Was he just that convincing in appearance?
…were the would-be disciples just that dense?
Even if these four individuals and the other disciples who will soon follow suit were so unwitting and daring as to rashly leave all they knew, they will later be the hands and feet of a significant movement. Jesus himself will leave the keys of the Kingdom with them as he returns to heaven.
Decisions can be tough for us today. They can be paralyzing. We don’t want to mess up or make the wrong choice. We don’t want others to think us unwise or indiscriminate. But our faith says that God will not leave us, nor forsake us as we listen for and follow into the call of Jesus.
Matthew 4:17-22
From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!”
As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Genesis 12:1-4a
The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your land, your family, and your father’s household for the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
those who curse you I will curse;
all the families of the earth
will be blessed because of you.”
Abram left just as the Lord told him…
Prayer:
God -
If you are in need of reasons to not do something, I can help you out. I know ‘em all. Just kidding, but I am pretty good at the avoidance of duty.
Help me today as I seek to be a person of decision and action. Keep me from idiocy, but lead me into proaction. I want to contribute. For your Kingdom.
By your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.