Good morning people God has a plan for

Matthew 4:18-22 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. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. 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, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him.

Yesterday we mentioned that the disciples’ response to Jesus was immediate.

Today I want to hone in on what they were doing when they immediately left all to follow Jesus. I believe this may be a word in season for some of you. Do not read into this and try to make something of it…but if God does speak to you, please respond to Him.

The first thing we see is that these men were busy in their vocation; they were fishermen. They were at work being diligent and faithful. They were providing for their extended families. These are good men doing what they should be doing.

It’s in this place Jesus tells them to follow Him. Surely Jesus knew that it was not practical? Surely Jesus knew that they were letting others down? Surely Jesus knew that they needed to make arrangements before abandoning their duty? Jesus did know yet He asked them to follow Him. And they did…immediately.

The second thing we see is that James and John were in the boat with their father. The Bible clearly says that when they left their nets they also left their father. The fact that they were together in the boat indicates there was a close relationship.

Now I am not, I repeat, I am not, telling people to leave their families on a whim and go into “the ministry”. Don’t misread what I am saying. I am however saying that God does at times call us to follow Him and that does mean at times it will require a separation from those we love. I think of my sister and brother-in-law who have lived for ten years in Africa as missionaries. My two nephews who are now seven and five are there with them. This is not easy on them or the family left here in Australia. But it is right because God called them. They could have rationalised it and disobeyed the call of God due to keeping the family together, but they didn’t. Nor did James and John.

I simply encourage those of you today who have wrestled with God’s call due to work commitments or close relationships. Trust God, commit fully and see what God will do.