What might we learn about these disciples along the sea (Mark 1: 14-20) when Jesus walked along and called them to leave their nets and follow him? What might we learn about their hearts, their fears, their lives, their commitments by the way they left it behind, father, family, income? What other choices did they have? What could they have said to Jesus? How might they have said “Give me time.” But we notice they do not speak, they do not object, somehow the character and persona of Jesus so charged them that without exception, they left their nets and followed.
When you look at this response and their willing hearts to follow, it speaks volumes. I’m left with the question - how much do I follow Jesus just like that? How often do my actions reflect theirs? That I respond to Jesus without question, without pause.
A friend of mine asked me to pray for her in this manner: “Pray that I would hear clearly, obey immediately and love fearlessly.” What a list! Could that summarize how you want to respond as well?
Another friend says, “I asked the Lord why he kept speaking to me in this manner, and the Lord responded, ‘because you listen.’” He listens. God, open my ears and open my heart to respond. This friend is seeing God do really beautiful things through his life. He prays for people in all kinds of places and many, many people are experiencing healings that testify to the beauty and love of Jesus.
On Sunday we are going to just be reflecting upon these first disciples as we look into the realm of being stewards of what God has placed in our lives, within our spheres. Jesus asks us to follow. That means listening and responding. Maybe take steps to do so in such a way that others look up and ask, “Hey, what is it about you, anyway?”
The long and short is this -- don’t miss worship. God is moving at Westside and you don’t want to miss out.