Yes indeed, you are not only called to follow Jesus, but also to add to His Kingdom. Each on the place where He called you.
Let us read three verses in Mark 1. Verses 16-18 (KJV)
¹⁶Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother CASTING A NET into the sea: for they were fishers. ¹⁷And Jesus said unto them, COME YE AFTER ME, and I will make you to become fishers of men. ¹⁸And STRAIGHTAWAY they forsook their nets, and FOLLOWED him.
In these verses we see Jesus walking along by the Sea of Galilee, where He saw Simon and Andrew fishing as they were fishermen.
The brothers JUST THREW A NET in the sea, when Jesus called them with the words “FOLLOW ME, and I will make you become fishers of men.” The next thing we read is that they IMMEDIATELY left their nets, and FOLLOWED Him.
When Simon and Andrew heard the call of Jesus, they OBEYED AT ONCE without demur. They didn’t bother about the value of their nets, we don’t even read that they bothered about the net they just cast into the sea, or the fish it might bring, when they first took it in.
☆ If we only had their attitude.
☆ If we only would always punctually do what Jesus said. (We just finished a series on “Jesus said” and I hope and pray you made these messages also personal to you!).
☆ If we only would always with resolute zeal, put in practice what we hear God speaking to us from His word, the Bible.
☆ If we only would always react on the spot, or even at the first fit occasion.
☆ If we only would always focus our attention at His grace, or even on things that lead us to His grace.
☆ If we only would read that what lifts our soul, and brings us closer to Him.
Then Jesus absolutely WILL NOT FAIL US.
When we allow Him, He will ENRICH US SPIRITUALLY.
And prepare us to become FISHERS OF MEN,
Prepare us to spread the Gospel to neighbors and friends.
Most readers and hearers however, only react if they think it promises them an IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENT of their present situation (even if the promise is a lie they will react). This is also why the so-called “Word of faith” or “Name it and claim it” churches have so many members.
But pity for them, when Jesus calls He is it NOT offering you a readymade package.
There is nothing immediate like they want.
Also to the disciples Jesus said: “I will MAKE you to BECOME fishers of men”. And an IMPROVEMENT of the present situation is also NOT PROMISED. Remember that the fishermen left their investment in fishing gear behind?
Not really an improvement of their worldly situation, was it?
After you heard His call, you are more like a branch that still has to be grafted into the living tree. He called, so YOU WERE SELECTED to be grafted.
But what often is seen, is that people WAIT, WAVER, and then they FORGET about it, and in this way their opportunity to receive a new life dies within them, and they DRY UP. When that happens they will never bear flowers and fruit.
I pray that those who read this, will not only be readers, but also doers.
If those fishermen would have ONLY HEARD Jesus call, but NOT REACTED on it, we may have never heard of them.
To read the Bible, and then bring it to practice is a profitable way of reading it.
When you read the Bible (or my messages), and it touches your heart, then HURRY TO REACT on it before your heart grows cold again.
Leave your nets behind.
Leave anything that arrest your progress with Him behind.
FOLLOW HIM!
Don’t be rebellious to the Master’s call.
Do not give place to the devil by delaying!
Haste to make your decision to follow Him while you have the opportunity.
Make sure you will not be caught in your own nets,
Make sure you will not be bound by earthly possessions.
Let Him untie the ropes that bind you to worldliness and go where He calls you.
Let Him fill you with His life so you can bear fruit.
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