I am trying to imagine what it would be like if Jesus suddenly walked into our livelihood and called, shouted, whispered, invited, encouraged a dramatic change… “Come, follow me.”  The first three gospels in the Bible each describe this moment at the seaside when Jesus calls the fishermen to leave their fishing, drop their nets and follow him on a new path.

(From “Bible for Children”, artist Donald Kueker)

What strikes me most is the way Matthew tells the story in Chapter 4 verses 18-22.  When Jesus called them, they IMMEDIATELY left their nets and followed him.  There was no hesitation, no trying to figure it out, no hanging on to the nets in desperation or fear of letting go.  This speaks to me not so much of the fortitude of these men, but rather the power of the presence of the Living God.  These men were face to face with Jesus, Son of God!  They were enveloped in overwhelming LOVE.  They could do nothing less than say “Yes!”  And in the same breath they dropped their nets.  Henri Nouwen writes…

On their way home, with open hands the fishermen left and followed Jesus.

One more prayer from “Children’s Letters to God” compiled by Eric Marshall and Stuart Hample.  I love this one!

Pondering…

I invite you to find a quiet moment, sit with your open hands, palms up, upon your lap while you pray the prayer by Henri Nouwen.

nk