September 6, 2016
“Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.” Mark 1:16-18 Message
You would think that God would announce His kingdom through exceptionally qualified people. Instead he chose some fishermen and later a credentialed religious prosecutor. In fact, the list that Jesus drew up to be his representatives lacks all the attributes you would imagine needed to change the world. And that is just God’s point. God’s story with your life included is a never ending story of unfailing love … on His part. It’s wrapped in His faithfulness when faithfulness is the last thing you would expect the Lord of creation to show. There is mercy but it can only be fully understood on a cross. God leaves the door of faith wide open. All are welcome .. but only some walk through. Some choices seem clear as to why “they” find grace. Others leave you filled with wonder that God would change hearts that were once so stubborn .. hardened .. and faithlessly clenched shut. And then there is you .. your story .. your moment .. and the road ahead following Jesus. If you look closely you will see your life in almost every man or woman found in the Bible. Jesus has a way of walking up on your life and quietly saying: “Why don’t you let go of all you’re carrying and follow me?” The load is lifted .. the guilt and shame washed away .. the anxiety replaced with rest .. and love like you’ve never known begins to abide in your life. And slowly .. months or years .. you find yourself talking about the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Jesus Christ. God isn’t measuring time. He’s making time .. time for you to enter into what He’s planned all along. It only takes a moment …
“I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities. And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8 Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to the Catch-of-the-Day following Jesus
