Scripture: Matthew
4:18-20 (Mark 1:16-18)
NRS 18As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is
called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-- for they
were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will
make you fish for people." 20 Immediately they left their nets
and followed him.
Devotional: Have
you ever wondered which gospel came first? The answers are varied, but the one with
the greatest historical consensus is the Gospel of Mark. One reason it is believed
to be primary is because it is found almost word for word in the independent
gospels of Matthew and Luke. They each seem to add to what Mark has already
recorded. Our passage today is an excellent example. Matthew’s version of the
call of Peter is almost identical to the same verses in Mark, with just a few
additions. Luke gives an even fuller account. It is understandable that someone
preparing a written account of a life and ministry would add to the sources
that have come before. Further contributing to the belief that Mark was written
first is the tradition that John Mark was recording Simon Peter’s account of
his time with Jesus. Shouldn’t the testimony of the one upon whom Christ was going
to build His church come before all others? That would be a natural foundation
upon which others could build their gospels, adding biographical and historical
details that provide further insights into the Son of the Living God. John Mark
writes with simple and concise language to communicate foundational truths. His
account of Peter’s calling is no different. He wants his readers to understand
that responding to the call of Christ is simply choosing to get off our path and
follow His. Peter was on a path pursuing fish. The Son of the Living God called
him to fish for people. He immediately chooses to abandon his path. He drops
his nets and follows Christ. It is a bold beginning for Peter and it can be
just as bold for each of us. He doesn’t yet know it, but his choice will lead
to the cross; first for Jesus and then for Peter himself. Ours is no different.
Following Jesus leads to the cross, but that journey is one of amazing
transformation. Through this devotional journey, we will get to witness Peter’s
transformation from bold impulsivity into a humble boldness. It was a transformation
of heart that can be duplicated in our own when we respond with equal boldness
to Jesus’ call.
Prayer: Creator
of the universe who chose to walk in the garden in the cool of the evening with
those You created. We stand amazed that You continue to choose to walk with us today.
Lord help us hear Your call. Empower us to surrender to that call in a way that
transforms our hearts. Through Your grace, may we become humbly bold Christians
who share your transforming love with the world, Amen.
Song of praise: I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
Spiritual discipline challenge: Because we have committed to make Ash Wednesday a
strict fast day our spiritual discipline today is fasting. We are challenged to
fast from all food through service tonight after which we are invited to break our
fast by sharing fruit dishes with someone else on this journey.
No comments:
Post a Comment