Words of a King – “Follow Me”

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“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were 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.” – Matthew 4:18-19

I must admit that I am jealous of Peter and Andrew, John, Matthew and the others that were called by Jesus while He walked the earth.  What it must have been like to be standing on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee and simply fishing for the days catch, trying to scrape by enough to cover the needs of the family and perhaps sell some in the market of Capernaum.  I picture them strong of mind, body and character.  Rough around the edges, having done manual labor their whole life.  The nets of that day would weigh hundreds of pounds and these men would swing them and cast them out into the water to drag in their catch.  The sun is beating down, the day was hot and the wind was strong coming from the open water.  Shade was hard to find as they looked up over the rocky terrain and saw a man fully robed coming in their direction.  A stranger in these parts, what would he want with two simple fishermen?

I find that a very interesting question to ask.  Why did Jesus call Peter and Andrew, rather than making his way to the Synagogue and asking for the most educated scribe to follow Him?  He chose two fishermen and then chose two more (James & John).  For years I thought it was because they had little to give up, making it easier for them to follow Him.  How naïve`.  These men gave up their businesses, they left their nets behind (an enormous investment), they gave up their only means of making a living and providing for their families.  They did not know this man, perhaps they had heard of His preaching in Nazareth or earlier in Capernaum, but by no means was he a friend or even an acquaintance.

Why should we question why He chose Peter and Andrew?  Why should it matter?  God is sovereign, He knows the hearts of man and He knows what drives each of us.  He knows you, He knows me, intimately, personally and better than we even know ourselves.  For you see, what we hide behind our fears and our worries, He seeks to utilize.  He is calling each of us, just like He called those gentlemen.  He is calling you for a purpose in today’s world, just as He called them as evangelists and founders of the church in their time.  Your purpose is no less important and critical, and will require no less of a sacrifice.  Following Christ’s call is not for the weak of stomach, or those who fear loss in today’s world.  We look at the disciples with envy and jealousy for their opportunity to walk with the Savior daily, yet are we actually willing to do that ourselves? 

What stands between you and the Son of God?  What prevents you from rising from your chair this morning and raising your hand, and boldly proclaiming – “Yes, Lord – I will follow You.”  Speaking for myself, my fears stand in the way.  My fear of not being able to provide for my family, and all that it implies.  Food, clothes, shelter, school, transportation, vacations and a comfortable lifestyle.  These are the material, worldly things that stand between me and the plan that I believe God has emblazoned on my heart.  I feel much more like the rich man to whom Jesus told – “sell everything and give it to the poor” (Mark 10:17-26)  I am in bondage to the world and it is separating me from fulfilling everything God has planned for my life.

Don’t get me wrong – I am serving God every day in every way possible that I can; within the convenience of the life I have chosen.  But, this is not what God has called us to do.  He has called us to participate in the life He has chosen for us, and His promise is that He will take care of our needs, and our desires.  Please pray for me in this area, that I might be able to break the chains that bind me to the desires of my self centeredness.  And, if you would like prayer for you to discover and be free to pursue God’s plan, please email me or leave a Comment on http://sondove.blogspot.com or on https://www.facebook.com/#!/rpalmer1.          

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