Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Observation:
Back in Jesus’ day rabbis were at the front of the line of respected men. It was a big honor to be asked to follow a rabbi because when a rabbi asked someone to follow him he was basically saying “I think you can be like me.”
How soon after Jesus called the men did they leave their work and follow him?
Peter and Andrew left at once, James and John left immediately

Application:
Have you accepted Jesus’ offer to be like him? Are you ready to follow his example?
The disciples immediately left what they were doing to follow Jesus.
Are you willing to sacrifice what you are doing to follow him?
If not, what’s holding you back?

Prayer:
Spend time thanking God for believing in you and inviting you to follow him. Allow that prayer to be encouragement and motivation to get out of the boat and walk on water tomorrow.