Sometimes we may feel shackled by our past. Jesus asks us to follow Him. It is important to know that a transformation takes place as we “follow” Jesus. He can make good use of anything in our lives, any past experience, even the struggles and trials that we face or have faced; He can turn these around for the good. All we have to do is “follow” Him!
So, what does that mean, to “follow” Him? This Greek word translated as “follow” is actually two words, “deute” [dyoo-teh] which means to “come toward”, and “opiso” [op-is-o] which means “behind”, hence we get to come behind or follow. It means to accept the authority and wisdom of Jesus, to pursue His calling, to model after His example and to join Him in relationship, to join His people.
Mark 1:16-17 (TNIV)
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
As people who have work to do, in our jobs and in our lives, we should always be grateful for the energy, the skills and the intelligence it takes to achieve results. Whether you make eyeglasses, are in ministry, take care of a family and home, are a musician, an office worker or whatever you do in life……these gifts are from God, indeed Jesus. Jesus doesn’t call people who are just sitting around doing nothing, daydreaming and waiting for something to happen in their lives. He calls hard workers, people who are not just talkers, but people who are movers!
You should always be listening in prayer and meditation or contemplation, for the call from Jesus that starts something new…….a mission suited to your talents. That mission will always bring people closer to the kingdom of God, indeed closer to the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus called these disciples who were fishermen, to cast a wide net in their lives, not just in the sea. He called them to follow Him, to listen to and apply His wisdom, to model His example and to join in a deeper relationship with Him as well as the people around them. He called them to be fishers of men.
The Gospel, the Good News of Jesus is like a net, pulling people into its grasp, transforming our lives. As we choose to FOLLOW Jesus, not just believe that He was a real person, we can be lifted from those dark waters either of our past or simply dark waters that in which we are unable to see clearly. Jesus calls us out of those dark waters into the light, the light of His love and understanding.
1 Peter 2:21 (TNIV)
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Jesus calls YOU: He says, “Come, follow me,”