Walking with Jesus: To Capernaum
Walking with Jesus: Embracing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Have you ever felt inadequate in the face of God's call? Have you questioned whether you're "special" enough for God to use you? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with these doubts, especially when we compare ourselves to biblical figures or modern-day spiritual leaders. But what if I told you that God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things?
Let's take a journey back to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where we meet four fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These weren't celebrities or influential figures of their time. They were ordinary men, going about their daily routines, casting nets and mending boats. It was on such an ordinary day that Jesus appeared and uttered those life-changing words: "Come, follow me."
The simplicity of this encounter is striking. There was nothing particularly special about that day or these men. Yet, in that moment, Jesus invited them to be part of something greater than themselves. And their response? They left everything behind - their nets, their boats, even their father - and followed Him.
This story challenges the biggest excuse we often give when God calls us: "Who am I that God could use me?" We tend to leave the work of the kingdom to those we deem more qualified - the extroverts, the highly educated, the influential. But God's call isn't limited by our perceived inadequacies or societal standards. He calls common people in common situations to do uncommon things.
Consider the words of C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity: "Christ says, 'Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and there, I want to have the whole tree down. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.'"
This call to total surrender might seem daunting, especially in our anxiety-driven world of uncertainty. But here's the beautiful truth: when God calls us, He doesn't leave us to our own devices. The call is to "come and follow," which implies a journey with Jesus Himself.
As we follow Jesus, two crucial things happen:
1. We learn to trust: The more we walk with God, the deeper our faith grows. We begin to see how He's been with us through every step, even in our moments of doubt and fear. Remember the promise in Deuteronomy 31:8: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
2. We receive training: Just as the disciples spent time learning directly from Jesus, we too can soak up His wisdom, grace, and love. Through spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, we can cultivate a deep relationship with our Rabbi. And as we learn, we become equipped for the work He's called us to do.
The journey of following Jesus is not always easy. It might feel like being thrown into deep water, much like the scene from the movie "Hondo" where a young boy is tossed into a river to learn how to swim. Initially, there's panic and flailing. But with trust in the instructor and a willingness to listen and learn, the impossible becomes possible.
Similarly, when we say yes to Jesus, we might feel out of our depth. But He doesn't throw us in and leave us to sink or swim. He stays right there with us, guiding us, encouraging us, and equipping us for the task at hand. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
This Lenten season, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, let's embrace the call to walk with Jesus. Let's remember that God doesn't always call the equipped, but He always equips the called. If you feel ordinary, take heart - you're in good company. The disciples were ordinary too, but their willingness to follow Jesus transformed them into extraordinary agents of God's love and grace.
So, how will you respond to Jesus' invitation to "come and follow"? Will you let your perceived inadequacies hold you back, or will you trust that the One who calls you will also equip you? Will you stay in your comfort zone, or will you step out in faith, leaving behind the familiar to embrace the extraordinary life God has for you?
Remember, God is calling you - yes, ordinary you on this ordinary day - to do something extraordinary. This call requires trust and training, which Jesus Himself will provide. But ultimately, the decision is left up to you.
As we journey through this season, let's challenge ourselves to go "all in" with Jesus. Let's be like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, willing to leave our nets behind and follow Him wholeheartedly. For it's in this following, this walking with Jesus, that we discover who we truly are and what we're capable of in God's hands.
May we have the courage to say yes to God's call, trusting that as we walk with Jesus, we'll be transformed. Not because the world has changed, but because we have. And in that transformation, we'll find ourselves part of God's extraordinary plan, bringing His love and light to a world in need.
Have you ever felt inadequate in the face of God's call? Have you questioned whether you're "special" enough for God to use you? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with these doubts, especially when we compare ourselves to biblical figures or modern-day spiritual leaders. But what if I told you that God specializes in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things?
Let's take a journey back to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where we meet four fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These weren't celebrities or influential figures of their time. They were ordinary men, going about their daily routines, casting nets and mending boats. It was on such an ordinary day that Jesus appeared and uttered those life-changing words: "Come, follow me."
The simplicity of this encounter is striking. There was nothing particularly special about that day or these men. Yet, in that moment, Jesus invited them to be part of something greater than themselves. And their response? They left everything behind - their nets, their boats, even their father - and followed Him.
This story challenges the biggest excuse we often give when God calls us: "Who am I that God could use me?" We tend to leave the work of the kingdom to those we deem more qualified - the extroverts, the highly educated, the influential. But God's call isn't limited by our perceived inadequacies or societal standards. He calls common people in common situations to do uncommon things.
Consider the words of C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity: "Christ says, 'Give me all. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and there, I want to have the whole tree down. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.'"
This call to total surrender might seem daunting, especially in our anxiety-driven world of uncertainty. But here's the beautiful truth: when God calls us, He doesn't leave us to our own devices. The call is to "come and follow," which implies a journey with Jesus Himself.
As we follow Jesus, two crucial things happen:
1. We learn to trust: The more we walk with God, the deeper our faith grows. We begin to see how He's been with us through every step, even in our moments of doubt and fear. Remember the promise in Deuteronomy 31:8: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
2. We receive training: Just as the disciples spent time learning directly from Jesus, we too can soak up His wisdom, grace, and love. Through spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, we can cultivate a deep relationship with our Rabbi. And as we learn, we become equipped for the work He's called us to do.
The journey of following Jesus is not always easy. It might feel like being thrown into deep water, much like the scene from the movie "Hondo" where a young boy is tossed into a river to learn how to swim. Initially, there's panic and flailing. But with trust in the instructor and a willingness to listen and learn, the impossible becomes possible.
Similarly, when we say yes to Jesus, we might feel out of our depth. But He doesn't throw us in and leave us to sink or swim. He stays right there with us, guiding us, encouraging us, and equipping us for the task at hand. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
This Lenten season, as we prepare our hearts for Easter, let's embrace the call to walk with Jesus. Let's remember that God doesn't always call the equipped, but He always equips the called. If you feel ordinary, take heart - you're in good company. The disciples were ordinary too, but their willingness to follow Jesus transformed them into extraordinary agents of God's love and grace.
So, how will you respond to Jesus' invitation to "come and follow"? Will you let your perceived inadequacies hold you back, or will you trust that the One who calls you will also equip you? Will you stay in your comfort zone, or will you step out in faith, leaving behind the familiar to embrace the extraordinary life God has for you?
Remember, God is calling you - yes, ordinary you on this ordinary day - to do something extraordinary. This call requires trust and training, which Jesus Himself will provide. But ultimately, the decision is left up to you.
As we journey through this season, let's challenge ourselves to go "all in" with Jesus. Let's be like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, willing to leave our nets behind and follow Him wholeheartedly. For it's in this following, this walking with Jesus, that we discover who we truly are and what we're capable of in God's hands.
May we have the courage to say yes to God's call, trusting that as we walk with Jesus, we'll be transformed. Not because the world has changed, but because we have. And in that transformation, we'll find ourselves part of God's extraordinary plan, bringing His love and light to a world in need.