Devotion:
Read Matthew 4:18-22.
This is familiar Scripture, isn’t it? For Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and for James and John, the sons of Zebedee, this is a career-ending, life-changing decision! I am guessing they had heard of Jesus and had likely even listened to him teaching and preaching in the area around the Sea of Galilee before this pivotal day. Matthew tells us that James and John left their “boat and their father” to follow Jesus, underscoring that they were not only leaving their familiar livelihood, but they were also leaving their family business.
Jesus’ call to these blue collar workers is to come and fish for people. This call was rooted in who they already were, what they likely enjoyed and were gifted in doing. In the next three brief years, Jesus would transform their gifts and equip them to reach people for God’s Kingdom. Following Jesus’ death, Peter would be the leader, not only of the apostles, but of the early church and would die for his faith in Rome, 1,400 miles from the Sea of Galilee. Each of us is called just as we are to come and follow Jesus. Through the church, Christ trains and equips us to reach others for the Kingdom of God. And most of us will not even have to leave careers or families behind in order to follow Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
As you begin your prayer time, reflect on the gifts God has given you and the people you encounter. Are you using your gifts and opportunities to answer the call to “fish for people?” Pray for renewed energy in reaching out to people in love in order to share the Good News with them.
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