Weekly Devotions
As you seek to draw closer to God, may these devotions help you on your journey.
Each week a new devotion will be posted for your personal prayer time.
Week of February 5, 2012
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.
Mark 1:16-20
Each of the gospels tells stories of Jesus calling his disciples. One of the striking things in both Matthew and Mark is that the word “immediately” shows up multiple times. We aren’t given any history. We don’t know if these men – Simon, Andrew, James and John – were already familiar with Jesus and his work or if this was the first day they met him. But what we do hear is that whatever the case, when he called they went immediately.
How often can that word be used in your life? When someone needs you or when someone calls you to important work do you respond immediately? Or do you put them off, consider your options, wait until you are sure that it’s a good idea? Even with your spouse, children, or friends, when they call and need something do you hold them off until you complete one last task or make one more call?
We live in a time and culture where we are overbooked and over-committed. So much so, in fact, that we are often likely missing the voice of Jesus when he calls, often walking right by the needs of others.
Make a decision to slow down this week. Listen, really listen, to where God is calling you. Listen, really listen, for opportunities to reach out in love to others. See what you are being called to do. Without so many demands, what might you respond to immediately?
Prayer: God, help me hear and respond. Amen.