eFollowingJesusJan12 - Called by Jesus (read Matthew 4:18-21)
Archaeologists have discovered a 1st century fishing boat by the Sea of Galilee - one Peter, Andrew, James and John probably passed or even boarded. They were fishermen by trade - until Jesus said "Follow me."
Notice they did not ask, "Where?" or "What's in it for us?" or "What will happen?" And notice Jesus did not tell, and neither did he say "Great to meet you, have a great life fishing, see you later." Sometimes we miss where Jesus is leading us because we are too controlling, too calculating. Maggie Ross defined faith as "a willingness for whatever."
What these fishermen discover is their calling, which is different from career. Career is about climbing up, getting ahead, filling a resumé, dollars and position. But calling is doing what God wants you to do, asking how your work contributes to the common good; moral purpose is involved, and sacrifice is required.
Lord, what are You calling me to do? Where do You want me to go? Today? or for the rest of my life? My only goal is to be sent by You, and so to be near You.
James
james@mpumc.org
To weigh what God is calling you to do if you're part of Myers Park Methodist, check out the Get Involved Expo!
Here is the full text of Matthew 4:18-21 - 18: As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19: And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20: Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21: And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
The full eFollowingJesus series (thus far!) may be found on our web site.
