"Come, and I will make you fishers of men". This is what Jesus said when he called the first disciples, Andrew and Peter. The men left their fishing nets and followed Jesus.
I am amazed at times how far from that moment Christianity have moved. It's no longer "Come", but "come, and do this, and do that, and act this way, and dress that way, and don't do this, and don't do that, and you will learn to be a fisher of men". It seems as if many Christians have assumed the life changing power of Christ, and put very many caveats on accepting Jesus as Lord.
But it's very simple. "Come." Don't worry about your present lifestyle or actions. If you hear the call to "come," just do it. What you will learn is that God is very capable of helping you become the person He wants you to be. What does God want? Honesty, integrity, self-respect, fairness, kindness, goodness and people able to show love. Because God loves us. And we are His mirrors.
Legend has it that Peter was a jerk. He admitted he was a sinful man. Peter also said to Jesus "Where else would we go? You are the Lord." Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. But not because Peter was so saintly, but because Peter was always the first to believe, and Peter knew that Jesus was Lord.
If God calls to you "Come," let your heart respond. Trust God to teach you, as Jesus taught His disciples. Honestly, you will learn about how Jesus built his disciples faith. Jesus took them out in the boats after they had a long, unsuccessful day of fishing, and filled their nets. Jesus sent them ahead in a boat to the other side of the lake, and then walked out to them. He awoke during a storm when they were afraid and stopped the storm. He fed the thousands from the few loaves and fishes His disciples brought Him. Jesus talked with the disciples daily, answered their questions, and was a living example of the character of God. They knew Him well, and He was whom they desired to be.
No comments:
Post a Comment