Thursday, May 2, 2024

           In Mark 1, Jesus called His first disciples.  The second gospel records the Lord’s call in this way, “’Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:17-18).  Jesus chose to do His work with and through His disciples.  The Lord still chooses to work through people today—all believers who hear and respond to His call.  There are four lessons this original call teaches us today.  First, we learn that the Lord is at work.  Christ is still saving, forgiving and transforming the lives of those who seek, follow and surrender to Him.  The gospel is not a relic of the past or a chapter in the history books.  The gospel still changes and transforms lives today.  We cannot reduce Jesus to simply an historical figure or museum painting.    
            Second, this call is an invitation to live with and walk with Jesus.  We leave behind any other lord or influence that could draw us away from Him.  We spend time alone with Him in prayer and Bible study.  We gather with other believers to give thanks for the cross and the promise of new life and resurrection offered by Christ alone.  We orient our living around Him.  The disciples dropped their nets so they could follow Jesus.  We may well have to let go of some things or drop some things so we can walk with Him.  We never want to become so busy that we lose sight of the most important work we can do which is walking and growing in Christ. 
            Third, this call sends us down a new road and direction.  We look for opportunities where we can share the gospel message.  There is a common saying today that proclaims “make heaven full.”  That simple, three-word statement is a good strategy for us to follow today.  We want to share the life-changing message of the gospel so people will come to know, love and trust Jesus alone and above all others.  We are not keepers of an aquarium.  We are to be fishers of men.  We are actively looking for people who need the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.  Look for ways to talk about Christ and your faith with others.  Be quick to share an invitation to worship or some other church event where people can hear the good news of Jesus.
            And fourth, this call is urgent.  The gospel needs to go forward.  There are individuals, nations and generations that have not heard the clear and simple gospel message.  These people are mired in darkness and sin—separated from Christ and the hope that He alone offers.  Sadly, the once great cathedrals of Europe often sit nearly empty today as current and possibly future generations live in spiritual darkness and vacuums.  American Christians could easily find themselves looking at similar scenarios in the near future unless there is an urgency to share the good news of Jesus with younger and coming generations. 
            The first disciples were willing to drop their nets so they could take up a new life with Christ.  Maybe the Lord calls you to drop the things that so often capture your time and attention so you can pursue the greater things that He has to offer.  Often the Lord calls us to release our burdens, fears and worries to Him so we are no longer paralyzed by such things.  One of the key themes found in Mark’s gospel is “immediately.”  There is a great sense of urgency.  We want to be urgent today to do what the Lord has for us to do.  We do not want to dawdle or delay.  We will gather for Bible study this Sunday at 9:45am with worship at 10:55am.  Have a great Thursday!  Remember you can share our worship any time at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.