Follow Me...
THE BIBLE AND YOU
Leaving Our Nets for Christ Jesus’ first disciples left their lives as fishermen to follow Jesus. This commitment would be tested and renewed—an example to all of us. by Robin Webber
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early 2,000 years ago several fishermen were going about their generational heritage of casting nets into the Sea of Galilee. The rhythm of life, like the lapping of waves on the shore, was slow, steady and reassuring. Once on shore they would clean and mend their nets and hang them to dry. These nets were precious, their families’ survival depending on them. Practically speaking, their nets meant everything! But all was about to change. Jesus would enter “their turf” and declare that now was decision-making time! This dynamic moment, related in Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16 and Luke 5:1-11, offers meaningful consideration for us today about what it means to heed Christ’s ongoing and expanding call of “Follow Me.”
became so full of fish it almost broke. Their business partners, James and John, came to the rescue in their boat to save the plenteous catch that almost sank both boats (verses 6-7). Imagine the smile on Jesus’ face and the awe, laughter and joy of the watching crowd. Realizing the need for Him
In this moment Peter grasped the emptiness of the works of his own hands and that his well-mended nets alone could not save him. He cried out for Jesus to depart from him, as he was a sinful man feeling guilty and unworthy. This fisherman knew he was as personally empty as his nets had been (verse 8). But Jesus was not deterred. He was here to fill Peter’s life and that of his companions with another assignMiraculous intervention ment—to follow Him and become fishers of men (verse Jesus stood on the shore watching the fishermen going 9). He’d just shown them that they didn’t need those nets; what they needed was Him! “Do not be afraid,” He about their trade. He was no stranger to them. Besides said, “From now on you will catch men” (verse 10). Jesus rubbing shoulders amid lakeside towns, brothers James knew the moment was ripe. They were ready to “launch and John were related to Him, their mothers being out” to wherever He would have them go on land or sea, sisters. Andrew was present at the Jordan River when and He would always be on board with them. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus “the Lamb of God” The four fishermen’s response? They immediately left (John 1:29-36) and was afterward directly asked by Jesus, their boats (Matthew 4:22; Mark 1:20) and “forsook all “What do you seek?” and invited to come and see more and followed Him” (Luke 5:11). Pulling up their personal at His lodging (John 1:35-39). Believing Jesus to be the Messiah, Andrew brought his brother Simon, later called anchors, they dropped their nets, got out of the boat and handed over their past, present and future to the Peter, to meet Him (verses 40-42). beckoning Man on the shore. But now came a momentous day when Jesus walked into their world to share a miraculous lesson and grant a life-changing invitation. The brothers had been out all Fully committing—now and through life So, what does this have to do with you today? Pernight on the lake, having given their all with nothing to haps you’ve shown some interest in the teachings of show for it. James and John were nearby mending their Jesus Christ, passing near Him like the Galileans of His own nets in their boat. Jesus seized on the moment as He stepped into Simon’s time. Perhaps you’ve even had short visits with Him like boat, spoke in front of a crowd and challenged the fisher- Andrew and Simon first did. But is that all that’s desired of you? Or have you come to a “reality check” like Peter man, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:1-4). Peter initially balked, declaring in realizing all our personal efforts through our own resources resemble Peter’s nighttime fishing—nothing to it a waste of time since it was now daylight and the fish could see and avoid the nets, but he further replied, “Nev- show for it? God doesn’t want to just rub shoulders with you or ertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (verse 5). simply settle for a drive-by visit. What He wants is that What followed is a snapshot moment of amazement. you—with all your heart and immediacy in heeding His In following Jesus’ directive, Peter and Andrew’s net 28 Beyond Today
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