MATTHEW 4: 19

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."

To Ponder:

The thing I really like about this reading is that Jesus did not come with a speech, but with an invitation. Jesus walks past two fishermen going about their daily work. He doesn't offer them a deep theological conversation. He offers and invitation to walk with him.

He simply says, "Come, follow me." Not later. Not after you've cleaned up your life. Now. Just follow.

 He also gives them a new purpose: "I will send you out to fish for people." Their nets that once caught fish would now be used for something far greater. They weren't leaving behind who they were they were moving into who they were becoming.

It is such a surprise to think that Jesus invited broken fishermen to join him in the biggest mission in history. Not scholars. Not religious leaders. No rough fishermen.

To those who took up his invitation he didn't say, "Figure it out yourself." He said, "Follow me." Discipleship isn't about going it alone. It's about staying close to the one who leads. As we follow Jesus, we're not following a set of rules. We're following a person whose name is Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for inviting me into your mission, not because I'm worthy, but because you love me.

Help me trust your direction today, even when it's unclear. Give me eyes to see where I can fish for people, in my home, at work, among my friends.

Help me be willing to drop the old net and pick up a new purpose.

Amen

Today’s devotion is written by Pr Nich, LifeWay Epping