The mission statement of TFH declares that "we are leading people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus". Everything we do is evaluated through the lens of this mission. We are endeavoring to continue what Jesus started over 2,000 years ago on the shore of Galilee.
Jesus' challenge was direct and convincing: "And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. "Then Jesus said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:16,17 (NKJV)
Disciples were a common feature of Jesus' day. The followers would seek out a rabbi or teacher whose message appealed to them. But Jesus came and took the initiative to seek out followers. He saw them where they were. He saw them for what they were. He saw them for what they could become as a follower.
Fishermen were common in Galilee. Josephus, the Jewish historian says that in his day as many as 330 fishing boats sailed the lake. Fish was the staple diet for ordinary people who could rarely afford other meat.
Jesus chose ordinary men (Acts 4:13) to follow Him, not the richest, well-taught religious leaders. These fishermen were probably in their late teens or early twenties. Christianity began as a youth movement!!
He did not call them to read a book, to enlist in a class or join an organization. The basis of discipleship was to follow Him. He didn't say "there is a road, follow it". His challenge was to walk the road of the Kingdom of God with Him.
CHRISTIANITY IS A PERSON WHO INVITES US TO A PILGRIMAGE FILLED WITH GREAT PROMISE AND POTENTIAL OF POWER.
What are you doing today to follow Him more closely?
To "walk the road of the Kingdom", to "work out your salvation".. it is a challenge, and for myself a challenge to change..
ReplyDeleteIm reading the Word to follow him more closely and enjoying a renewal of my mind, so dramatic it physically *hurts*.