It Goes Both Ways

Buckle up.  Now when you fall out of your seat, do not say that I did not warn you.  Actually, I can take that back.  You may not feel the same pull or tug when we review the sermon from Sunday.  But it was exactly the push that I needed.  Pastor continues to challenge us to make our mark on this world and provides practical ways for us to accomplish this task.

Sunday’s sermon was pulled from Mark 1:29-31.  We pick up from where we left off in the previous sermon.  Jesus, Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John leave the synagogue and go to the house of Simon Peter and Andrew.  We learn that Simon’s mother-in-law is there laying ill with a fever.  They immediately tell Jesus about her condition, and Jesus does what He always does-heals, restores, and renews.  He takes her by the hand, lifts her up, and she begins to serve them.  Another miracle presented in a concise fashion.  And while it is definitely worthy of a shout, this moment is not what knocked me out of my seat and convicted me to do more and be more.

Earlier in the chapter, we find Simon Peter and Andrew at work.  They are in the Sea of Galilee doing their do.  Casting nets.  Being fisherman.  As Jesus passes alongside them, He calls out to them and extends an invitation.  He beckons them to follow Him and become fishers of men.  The Bible says that immediately they left their nets and followed Jesus.  They put aside their livelihood and families to take up the cause of Christ.  And they did it immediately.  I did not read a verse that said that Simon Peter had a conference with his wife to weigh his options.  He did it immediately.

James and John answer the call to Jesus in a similar fashion.  Jesus calls, and they put down their nets and follow Him.  If there is hesitation, it is not recorded.  Jesus calls.  They answer.  Not knowing the plan.  Unsure of provision.  But very confident in following the call of Christ.

The word immediately pops up again when we read the story of Jesus in the synagogue.  Jesus immediately begins to teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath.  The urgency is palpable.  There is an energy in the air that is catching.  The man with the unclean spirit is set free.  Delivered.  Immediately.

Here is MY shout.  The part that causes me to feel that tingle in my throat.  Simon Peter felt the urge to follow Jesus, and he did so immediately.  He left his job.  He left his family.  He left everything that he knew to venture into the unknown.  He was present in the synagogue when Jesus drove the unclean spirit out of the man.  And Jesus was present with Simon Peter when his mother-in-law had a need.  Jesus met that need immediately. 

It goes both ways.  I cannot expect God to move urgently in my life when I drag my feet when it comes to accepting the many invitations that He offers me.  And He gives me so many invitations.  He continues to call me to follow Him into unknown territory.  I hem and haw.  I second guess.  I debate.  And I miss out on opportunities to walk side by side with Him.  If I got in a hurry about following Him, He would already be there when I encounter moments of my greatest need.  He would meet those needs immediately.

We need to stop dragging our feet and get in a real hurry about following Jesus.  Lord knows that I have had moments that have knocked the wind out of me lately.  Moments that make me side-eye walking and rely on a crawl.  And even in those moments, I am aware that Jesus is with me.  With His hands outstretched.  Inviting me to follow Him.  Immediately. #wepreach