This morning at breakfast we were talking about being a disciple. This was a word they really didn't understand. For the two minutes it was quiet and everyone was eating, I read this passage and as I read it, God is His ever-so-loving way pricked my own heart to His tenderness.
Matthew 4:18-22
The Calling of the First Disciples
18As 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." 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
21Going 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, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Jesus commanded these men to, "Come, follow me" and in doing so He would work in them as they witnessed/discipled others about WHO HE WAS. They heard His command and they then had a choice. They could have stayed fishing and not obeyed His voice, even missed out on His blessings.. the biggest one, learning more about WHO HE WAS. I love how all of them responded. Look at how they followed! They went with Him
AT ONCE (they left their nets and followed Him) v 19
IMMEDIATELY (they left the boat and their father and followed Him.) v 22
I can just see that picture in my mind. Everything else was left by the way side. They didn't have to ponder it or even think too long about it. They JUST DID IT and I would believe that they were following Him in the most joyous state they had ever been. They turned from their own comforts of life to immediately follow their Lord.
Ella Grace replied, "No way. He left his dad! I would not leave my dad. EVER."
Miriam stated, "or my Mom."
I asked them if they loved Jesus that much and they answered, "No."
But then I asked if they were willing to learn more about WHO HE IS and BE HIS DISCIPLE and tell others about what He is doing in their lives. They replied enthusiastically "Yes!" Then we talked a little bit about following and obeying Jesus (and Dad and Mom) at once/ immediately" and made a little song to help us turn from ourselves to Him. I was so grateful for this quick little conversation with these little disciples.
Lord, make me quick to follow You! Thank You for the unspeakable joy that comes from leaving our comforts of life to walk with You. You are glorious!
1 comment:
I remember being confused when I heard I was to "hate my father and mother" when I was a little girl. I had no idea how to do that. I mean, I knew it was to love God MOST, but I didn't understand how and felt scared that God wanted me to do that. I love how you've related that in a way your girls could understand. You encourage me so much, Kelly!!! :)
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