“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people. And immediately they left their nets and followed him.”
Mark 1: 17-18 NRSV
Mark’s narrative of calling the four fishermen, Simon Peter, Andrew, and later James and John, wastes no time on the past or what else Jesus said that day. It doesn’t tell me if one or more of them were a boyhood friend, had followed John the Baptist, seen a blind man healed or not met Jesus previously. Potential counted more than credentials.
Jesus offered a different life for these fishers of fish. They believed Jesus could do what he promised and went with him. Whatever their original expectations, daily association with their Lord changed their hearts and minds in ways they couldn’t have imagined.
When I read the gospel accounts of miracles, I see instantaneous healings and mighty acts and I realize that the transformation of these four men was every bit as miraculous. Fortunately, miracles work on God’s timetable—sometimes immediately obvious and sometimes slowly. I don’t catch on until I look back, surprised to discover I have acted with faith on a change I didn’t know I’d made.
The Gospel of Mark records many examples of times when Peter, Andrew, James, John and the other followers of Jesus didn’t catch on. I wonder if they also were surprised when they looked back.
Prayer:
Jesus, help us to catch on to the transforming power at work in us as we follow you. Amen
Question:
What surprises me when I consider how I am different today than I was yesterday?
Written by Nancy Alice Morton
