Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” What if he said that to you? Have you ever fished for people? You may recall another translation, becoming “fishers of men.” Still, the notion of fishing for people seems out of the ordinary. What was happening here is Jesus was offering these fishermen an invitation to follow him.
What was their response? “Not today, I’m too busy.” “I can’t follow you right now, I can’t leave my father.” No! They dropped everything and followed Jesus. That may seem a little crazy to us. For me, I would want to tie up some loose ends or at least know where I was going. But these men did not hesitate.
We can take from their example. But do you ever wonder why they were so eager to follow? Was Jesus just that charismatic people were drawn to him? Or had the Holy Spirit begun working in these men so they were primed and ready for the ask?
We know the Holy Spirit is working around the clock to make things happen. When it’s God’s will, you can usually count on some prompting. So long as Satan doesn’t start messing with the plans.
In today’s reading, Satan seems to be far, far away. These men almost seem mesmerized. I have to say, knowing what I know today, if Jesus were to walk up to me and say, “let’s go,” I would certainly get up and move. He has that kind of authority over me and my heart. I know David would understand, but my little doggies might be wondering, “where is Mommy going?”
Imagine that today. Jesus is approaching you. He isn’t asking you to physically move away from your life, but he wants you to follow him, to listen to him, to spend more time with him. Picture it. How are you feeling? Don’t you want to feel that kind of peace more?
When you spend time with Jesus, the Holy Spirit will transform you. You will be touched and healed. You will become more Christ-like. God will shape you into something beautiful. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
Let’s pray. Lord, I do want to follow you. I want to listen for your voice and be transformed to be more like you. Help me become more of the woman you want me to be. Use me to do your work. May people see you working in and through me. Help me let go of my own agenda and be open to yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
