September 7, 2016
“”Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:17-18 NIV
“Follow me” … Jesus defines what life is going to look like … following him. That means letting go of any and everything that keeps you from following. If that direct question was asked of your life today: what would you have to let go of? It could be routines .. habits .. possessions .. status .. recognition .. your own goals .. and certainly your own definition of what success looks like. But what is clear is that Jesus wants a daily relationship where all of his life and all of your life intersect in the direction he is going.
“I will make you” … what is going to happen is going to be directed and ordered by Jesus. He isn’t asking you to learn on your own terms about how to do the Father’s work. He is specifically defining who is in charge. He’s also describing that He knows what you look like shaped by His life. He’s going to shape your life for His purposes and use all the ingredients of your life … with all the ingredients found in Him.
“fishers of men” … The picture is very clear. There are people “swimming” in ponds, lakes, and oceans just trying to survive .. not get eaten .. living fearfully of predators .. uncertain about what life is going to bring .. and trapped with no future. Jesus isn’t describing a program but a personal .. person-focused mission in your life. Will you let go of anything connected to your life that would prevent you from reaching another man or woman for Christ? It’s harder than you think. What Jesus is asking will collide with every message that assaults your senses everyday about living successfully .. living generously .. and living for the glory of God. That’s why it is an invitation. Jesus isn’t going to force you. He’s inviting you to follow Him into this day. It only takes a moment …
“You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. But remember the root command: Love one another.” John 15;16-17 Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Jesus followers rooted in love.
