Can Your Life Be Interrupted? (Mark 1:16-20)
The first group of men Jesus called to follow him were brothers, Simon and Andrew, then James and John. Jesus confronted these men with life’s greatest challenge and most important calling. Jesus was asking these men to become His disciples and then begin fishing for people to also follow Him. Both sets of brothers immediately left behind the lives they had known and embarked on an incredible adventure. But when Jesus called them to follow Him as disciples they immediately left their nets. Peter and Andrew along with James and his brother, John, were the first disciples that Jesus called to work with him. Jesus' call motivated these men to get up and leave their successful jobs—immediately. They didn't make excuses about why it wasn't a good time. They left at once and followed. Jesus calls each of us to follow him. When Jesus asks us to serve him we must be like the disciples and do it at once. Once Jesus presented His mission to them they followed without hesitation. Peter and Andrew left immediately while on the job; James and John left their father in the boat. These disciples were skillful at catching fish, but they would need special training before they would become able to fish for people's souls. Jesus was calling them away from their productive trades to be productive spiritually by helping others believe the Good News and carry on Jesus' work after He was gone. Jesus called His disciples to fish for souls with the same zeal and determination they had previously used to fish for food. The Gospel would be like a net, pulling people into its grasp, transforming their lives. Many people would be lifted from dark waters into the light of day. God did not save us solely so that we could go to Heaven. He calls and commands us to have an impact here on Earth, as well. When we trade the shame of the cross of Christ for the applauses and acceptance of men we have forfeited the power to shake the world. It is far better to be despised and even persecuted than to live a life without making a difference for God.
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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