Wednesday, April 3, 2013

April 4, 2013

"And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him."  Mark 1:16-20
 
This is a big moment in the movement that would become known as Christianity. I want to share three key elements that I believe led to the "bigness" of this moment that led it to become a movement.
 
First is the request!
 
If you want a big result you need to make a big request! Jesus knew this needed to be a big moment so He made a big request, "Leave everything and follow me - NOW!"
 
I'm sure Jesus understood something intrinsic in human nature - people tend to rise (or shrink) to the expectations others have for them. He needed big things of them so he asked big of them.
 
Jesus could ask a big thing of them because He was giving something even bigger!
 
Are you asking bigger things of yourself than you ask of others?
 
Second is the response!
 
Jesus needed a big result so He made a big request of these four fishermen. And you have to admit that He DID ask a lot of them.
 
What if you were asked on the spot to drop everything that was familiar and important to you and walk away into an unknown future? What would your response be?
 
These fishermen were being asked to give up their passion to fulfill His purpose - AND THEY DID!
 
Third is the reason!

If you are going to make a big request and expect a big response you will need a good reason for doing so!

He did!

Obviously they thought so, too, because they responded to His demanding request.

So, what were (are) the reasons to forsake all and follow Jesus.

Fellowship - He wanted them to be with Him and He wanted to be with them and share ministry together.

What have you given up to have fellowship with Jesus? Is there something you need to give up to have better fellowship?

Fishing - He called them to "fish" for men. When He called them to fish they knew He meant not just fish for men but to "catch" them. They walked away from catching fish for the chance to recruit men into the Kingdom of God.

Are you fishing for men? Will there be others in Heaven because you fished for men?

Feeding - Jesus called these men not just to make converts but to develop disciples as well. He wanted them to learn to meet the spiritual needs of others, help them learn to grow in their faith and how to feed others.

Are you more concerned about being fed than you are concerned for feeding others?