And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-22
For these fishermen this was not their first encounter with Jesus, as we find from the other gospels. But this is when Jesus came and directly called them to discipleship. And I love the fact that the Scriptures say, “immediately” left their nets and followed Him. Jesus declares, “There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30) Following Jesus brings rewards in this life no doubt, the family of God consists of fellow believers who often become closer to you then your own family members. And these are the spiritual blessings Jesus is referring to which there is no denying it’s power. To live after Jesus and be indwelt with the Holy Spirit is to bring forth fruit from your life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit of God produces fruit in the life of the believer which consists with the characteristics that come from Christ. A transformed life indeed is a true blessing we have in this earthly life, but it still will bring forth persecution because of the fallen sin nature of this world which is corrupted by sin, and is diametrically opposed to that same Spirit of God that is indwelt in every believer. Jesus warns us about it (John 15:18-19), Paul tells us in Romans though, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). That glory is when we will be with Christ in heaven in which He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3). His departure would be for the benefit of believers since He was going away to prepare a heavenly home, He will also return for us (His Bride) that we may be with Him forever. This is in fact, one of the passages from the New Testament which refers to the rapture of the church, His saints, at the end of the age when Christ returns.
Immediately—Let’s talk about ” immediately.” The Bible mentions that we should walk circumspectly, not as fools, but wisely (Ephesians 5:15), In fact, in this chapter we are told to walk in love (v.2), walk as children of light (v.8), and here circumspectly. Redeeming the time because the days are evil (v.16)—Oh how much time have I wasted. Even if I thought I was a careful planner. I wasted away days, months, years that God has wanted to use to bring me up in spiritual development of some kind. Growing as a Christian is what God’s plan is for me, after I have become His child by faith. The moment I received the Lord’s forgiveness for my sins and became born again, the growing development had begun. What negates that growth is my flesh, still wanting to rule my thought life, still wanting to rule in my heart. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (5:17)—Knowing and understanding God’s will through the reading of His Word is spiritual wisdom. For example: God’s will revealed to us through His Word, is that people should be saved (1Timothy 2:3-4), That we be Spirit filled (Ephesians 5:18), That we be sanctified {set apart} (1Thessalonians 4:3), That we be submissive (1Peter 2:13-15), And thankful (1Thessalonians 5:18), and that we would endure suffering (1Peter 2:20). These were all modeled for us by Jesus Himself, He is our supreme example. And the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is to conform us into His image. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2Corinthians 3:18).
Beloved friend, God has given us all things that we may enjoy. So in order for me to enjoy what I have been given, is to see my life from His perspective. What does God value? Is it silver or gold that man covets? Certainly not! It is people, relationships, helping others. It always has, and always will be. Jesus tells us of a new command in John 13, After announcing His departure He then tells His disciples, A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35). The commandment to love is not new. What is new is in the method in how we are to love, as He (Jesus) loved us. We can’t love, nor forgive which a part of love, anyone without the help of God. Being filled with His Holy Spirit and using His enabling power is the only way how to do this. What is our part? My part is to by His Spirit (Romans 8:13) die to self daily, so that His life may be manifested through me. Think about it, the Scriptures are clear; And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23). There is our marching orders so to speak. In our work, in our recreation, in our family, in our being a Christian today, we have a need to be always about glorifying God, giving Him thanks and praise through Jesus Christ! And the expediency is never been more important today, now in your life and in my life. Why? Because the Lord’s return for His church can happen at any moment. There is nothing left in Bible prophecy that has to happen first, before His return. Israel is where she is supposed to be at during the end times. What looks like an economic recovery is only a façade, and temporary at best. No, were living in the times that the Scriptures declare, Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near (Luke 21:28)
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
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