Devotional

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” Mark 1:16-18

Jesus called, and his disciples followed. Mark’s emphasis of this account was the immediate responses of the first four disciples. However, if you follow the accounts in the other gospels, you will get a bigger perspective. They didn’t jump in blind. By the time Jesus called on them, they had a good idea who Jesus was. They had found the Messiah, and they were committed to following Him. Discipleship in Jesus’ day was not just about learning the master’s trade or profession, but it was to become like them. They knew they would do life with Him for the next few years.

When we are beckoned by Jesus’ call for the first time, like the disciples, we have an idea who Jesus is. Back in 1991, when Jesus revealed Himself to me, I remember I had no hesitation. I only had gratitude and a warm presence entering down my spine. Your experience may be different, but the call is real. Jesus will call us many times during our journey to become more like Him. It will likely span our lifetime until we enter His glory. There may be times when we hesitate, or even let it go for a few days. But I am confident that ultimately, we will heed His call because we belong to Him. Jesus is the Christ, and we are committed to following Him.

Prayer

Jesus, you have placed a call on my life. I have heard your voice, the words that continue to echo in my heart, “Come, follow me.” Out of a deep yearning for purpose and direction, my heart seeks to follow after you. In obedience, your promise is made manifest, “I will send you out to fish for people.” Preserve the purity of my heart to singularly follow you and serve no other. Grant me the promise of your fruitfulness and harvest. As I cast my net out in obedience to your command, fill it with others to whom you have issued the same call, “Come, follow me.”

Scripture Memorization

Mark 1:17-18 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Oceans by Hillsong United

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs