Nov3

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called to them. And immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him." Matthew 4:18-22

Here we see the perfect picture of true obedience to the Lordship of Christ! The invitation, "Follow me" called these believers into a permanent ministry to be shared with Jesus. Having left their nets, these men entered into a new relationship and would never again be able to fully return to the occupation they once held so dear.

What about us today? There was a time when a person could choose a career and settle down secure for the rest of their working life. The fear of being jobless and uprooted was not given a thought. However, this is far from reality today! Organized labor is far from secure for us today. The fear of not being able to work is a reality to many folks. Does it cause us to fear? Do potential life changes stir up in us fears about our future? Now, ask yourself, "What fears must have the disciples felt when they left their secure jobs to a career change they knew nothing about?" Are our fears any greater than theirs? I think not! The One who called them, calmed them ~ He calls us and calms us today as well. Jesus has promised to be with us in all that we do ~ if we have faith and put our trust in Him. We can be assured of His presence in our labors, in our job changes, and in our moves from one place to another. The One who loved us enough to die for us is going to be present in any life change we have. That's enough for me ~ how about you?

Application:
Peter, Andrew, James and John were the first disciples that Jesus called to follow Him. They didn't make excuses about why they couldn't go. They immediately left ~ they followed! They knew His goodness and trusted in Him and were willing! Jesus motivates us today also ~ when Jesus calls us to serve Him, do we idly sit back, or do we stop what we're doing and follow His commands? Please think on this! Jesus asks us to serve Him ~ we should be like the disciples and do it at once!

May God bless you with a wonderful day as you allow the Lord to be present in all changes of your lives.

Love in Christ,
Sandy