Divine Imperatives August 16 Devotional
by David Joynt on August 16, 2023
Stress Test Devotional May 11
May 11, 2024
MARK 1:16-20 | 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea, for they were fishers. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
The immediacy of the disciples’ response is striking. Jesus calls and they respond. There may well have been some previous encounters, before they left family and profession to follow. Most likely they had listened to Jesus teach, seen some of His ministry, and probably asked questions. But at some point, if commitment is to be real, a decision must occur and a risk must be taken.
The risk of course is mutual! When Jesus asks others to join, He risks refusal, and He also takes on all the problems and issues of those who become part of His bond.
God’s risk in inviting us shows His respect for us. Do you agree?
Gracious God,
What a joy it is to be invited into Your company. Thank You for taking the risk. Grant me courage to keep reenlisting.
Amen.
