11 January 04

“FOLLOW ME AND…”

Matthew 4:18-22

I thought when we left last week that I was finished with this simple command of Jesus.  “Follow me.”  But I am back here again primarily because Jesus kept going back to this.

Like last week, Jesus goes out, meets someone in his/her own space gives a simple command “follow me” and that compels them to respond and change.

Today we meet two sets of fishers.  Two sets of brothers. Two sets of brand new disciples.   Two very familiar and simple words.  Follow me.

Jesus wants us to follow him.

Watch that the words uttered to the Tax collector and the fishes are the same words. 

These words compel us, attract us.  Why do these words get such a total and complete response from the person who hears them?

Jesus speaks to us in different settings.

Can be in the same setting but in a different spot in life altogether.

I.          WHERE EXACTLY ARE WE?
Andrew and Peter are CASTING their nets.

Filled with promise, anticipation. Hopeful

James and John are MENDING their nets.

Disappointments, lull, pain, brokenness.

Whatever your setting whatever your spot, Jesus still wants you to follow.

Whatever your situation or space

Whatever your position or posture

                Jesus still wants you to follow him

II.         WHAT WILL JESUS DO?

AND I WILL MAKE YOU…

This is the crux of the matter.  One of our Deacons shared a profound testimony in prayer meeting Wednesday that resonates with each of us.  HE said, he decided in this year to turn it over to Jesus.  Tried to make it himself.  Couldn’t do it.

Isn’t that the way we all are?  We spending our lives trying to make it.  Trying to become somebody.  To make our mark.  But Christ calls us to understand it is not we who make us it is Christ himself.  Follow me and I will make you.

Make you What?

Well for these fishers.  Jesus brings them to another level and dimension.  “I will make you fishers of people” This is what they are now but not exactly what they are now.  They understand being fishers.  TI was their trade.  But fishers of people what kind of fishing is that?

It’s a deep and profound insight that by ourselves we can at best aspire to being good.  To have some level of competence, expertise or experience.  BUT following Jesus we raise to another level.  A level of excellence of vocation of created and creative re-imagining.  Follow me and I will make you

Excellence.

Let’s see.

You can be a good lawyer, a good accountant, a good husband, a good wife, a good mother, a good father but Follow Jesus and you become a great….