January 07, 2025 | Be God's Family
The Outcome of the Call
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25(NIV)
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.
Devotional
When Jesus called Simon Peter as a disciple, his life changed immediately from a family generational fisherman to a rabbi follower of the Messiah. Was saying “yes” to follow Jesus an impulsive whim? Was it a way to get out of the daily rut of boats and stinky fish? A transition to adulthood? An opportunity to leave Dad and Mom behind? No! It was a significant call on Peter’s life by God Almighty! Simon Peter did not know in advance he would become the key leader of the early church, the rock and the chief apostle to the Jews.
Peter answered the call to follow Jesus. Because he said “yes” to Jesus, his life was impacted with new outcomes. Here are just a few taken from the 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) along with events in the book of Acts. Reflect on these. Can you recall the events that match these outcomes?
- Rhythm and routine rerouted for the Rabbi
- Goodbye to the boat of security, hello to eternity
- Now casting nets to fish for people
- A pity party exchanged for enthusiasm!
- Holy Spirit’s fire, oil and healings coming from heaven-to-earth
- Telling everyone about Jesus everywhere
- Feet washed by Jesus- a total humility bath!
- Dinner with outcasts and elites
- Faith enough to walk on water
- God’s voice heard on mountain tops
- “Rooster” reminders of failures (3 times)
- The gift of correction and blessing by Jesus
- Persecution for following Christ, assurance to praise
- Concealed mysteries disclosed and made known
- Awareness coworkers are “sinners” just like you
- Extravagant giving and prayer in secret
- The Aha! of Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Reminder “Do not be afraid!” and goodbye to worry
- Salvation for yourself and others
Which 3 outcomes caught your attention the most?
What would be the outcome of the call of Jesus in your life if you left your current “boat” and gave a solid “yes” to Jesus’ call? Which outcomes would you like to experience in your pursuit of God’s call?
Closing Prayer: Dear Lord, today I read how you used a common fisherman like Peter to step up to Your call for his life. Please call and use me, starting right here and right now. Amen.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So, they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10b-11
Poem
My Portion
Psalm 119:57-64, Isaiah 9:1-2
“You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey your words…Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.” Psalm 119:57, 61
The lot is divided
Which portion is mine?
The juiciest, largest,
The fattest, the prime?
What’s that which I grab for?
All comfort or truth?
The palace or desert?
Which portion I choose?
O, Grace, give me wisdom
Set me on Your path
From birth mold me, make me
Give faith which will last
Despite great temptation
Despite wicked crowns
In plenty or prison
In freedom or bound
Let You be my portion
Your Comfort, my guide
Always in Your presence
My soul may abide
