Come...Follow...Fish

Friday, 6/3/2011

Reading: Mark 1:14-20

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%201&version=NIV

Reflection: What stood out to me in my initial reading was what I would call Jesus' three-fold call to discipleship. In essence, Jesus invites these men to come...to follow...and to fish. The first calling involves turning, the second living, and the third mission. In order to come to Jesus, these men will have to turn away from something else...maybe several somethings. They will leave boats and nets, family and friends, familiar surroundings and comfortable lives. All these things will be set aside as they turn to Jesus and come to Him. It is a radical move, but one that in the end will pay eternal dividends. They will also pursue a different kind of life. A life not of leading, but of following; not of lording over but serving under; not becoming popular but becoming useful; not gaining possessions but giving of one's life. This is what it means to follow Jesus along the way of eternal life. Finally, they will be involved in mission. They will preach the gospel, heal people, serve strangers and train disciples. They will extend Jesus' mission of seeking and saving the lost as they themselves go fishing for men. This is the call extended to all of us: to come...to follow...and to fish. So, let's head out to the lake of people and let's cast in a line.