Father, as I sit here pondering how much You love me, it makes me think how much more I want to be like You. Over my many years, I have given You innumerable reasons not to love me–or at the least to love me less. But Your love does not ebb and flow–it is constant, it is consistent. Father, help me to love others like You love me. Amen.
Matthew 4:18-22 (<<click here to read the passage)
One thing my dad and I have in common is that we tend to get fidgety after we sit for a while. After a while, it’s best if we get up and stretch our legs. A few years ago, at a family gathering, we did just that. We had been sitting most of the afternoon and were both getting restless, so I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk. We proceeded to walk around the block and had a nice chat in the process.
Lord, in today’s passage, You called Simon (Peter) and Andrew, then James and John, by saying, “Follow me.” Two simple words, but they carry a considerable amount of weight. This is how the Amplified Bible words verse 19,
And He said to them, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.”
Lord, You weren’t just calling these men to take a walk with You. Yes, they would be by Your side, but it surely wasn’t a trip around the block. All four of them left their livelihoods to invest themselves in You and Your calling on their lives.
And interestingly enough, there was absolutely no hesitation. Peter and Andrew “left their nets at once,” and James and John “immediately followed [You], leaving the boat and their father behind.”
Lord, I have made myself available to “leave my nets and boat behind” if that’s what You desire. But at this point, I truly believe I am being obedient and used right where I am. Each day, no matter my location or whom I am with, may I “walk the same path of life that [You] walk.” Amen.
(Oct 5th, 2017, Thurs, 9:03 am)
May 16th, 2024, Thurs, 11:38 am
