Thursday, January 8, 2009

"'Come follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' At once they left their nets and followed Him." Matthew 4:19-20

The call to discipleship is so simple--"Come follow me." And it is inviting--to be with Jesus. Yet it is costly. It means leaving an old way of life. It requires laying aside once cherished things to go after Jesus. The fishermen made the sacrifice without question or delay. Is there anything still holding me back from fully following Jesus?

Father, reveal any hindrance in my life to full devtion to Jesus. Help me to lay aside cherished things that I may live the higher calling of fellowship with Jesus and service to Him.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 8, 2009 at 5:35 AM

    Amen to Pastor Mark’s words. “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” These words help me see some of the dynamics of temptation. First, Jesus prepared himself ahead of time. Second, He quoted three passages from Deuteronomy to send the devil away. (Side-note: These are the same category of temptations that the devil throw at Adam and Eve. Why should he change his tactics if he has been so successful?) This tells me that one way through temptation is to learn, memorize and quote Scripture when I an aware of the temptation. To wait until I am in the battle is too late to prepare for the battle. Another part of this passage that caught my attention was the calling of the “fishermen” Disciples. I am an avid fisherman. Jesus called the fisherman not so much away from their chosen profession as He called them to use their skills in a different area. He labeled it “fishers of men.” I have aligned myself with a National Tournament Trail called Fishers Of Men. I am honored to be the Chaplain for this group of competitive fishermen and women. Our purpose is to bring those who like to fish into a relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. As I read more I focused again on the word –immediately. I saw that word before in Chapter 2. When God calls me, when He warns me, when He prompts me, I need to respond immediately.

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  2. The MooresJanuary 8, 2009 at 8:10 AM

    What an invitation! "Come follow me..." Jesus has called us all to follow him. His invitation is not to a life of boring religion or rituals. He is inviting us to share in an adventure. Following Christ is the ultimate calling with it comes excitement, meaning and purpose.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 10, 2009 at 4:12 AM

    Simplicity of the the gospel I believe is the Lord's intentional design. He challenged and invited the early disciples into a life long commitment/service to a Kingdom yet to come liken to their earthly occupations. That challange stands today not only as an invite but a command to all Christians ["Come follow Me']. The disciples were probably entrenched in traditions and expected a conquering and powerful Messiah, not a King designated to a cross and tomb. Truth prevailed and these laid down their lives and followed unquestionalby Jesus Christ the God Man; so muust we commit, deny self and be spititual engaged disciples in that sound doctrine of Christ, capturing the hearts and souls of men/women in the net of Christ's love.

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