Leaving Nets: Answering Jesus’ Call

As He was walking along the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen. “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4:18-20 (HCSB)

For as long as I can remember I have been intrigued by how the disciples of Jesus left everything they had to follow him. They left behind their source of income, family and tradition. With the exception of Judas they would go on to spread the gospel around the world. When they left their nets they did not find some easy life, but it would be a life full of sacrifice, persecution and for most dying for their faith. Yet you can tell by their writings that they had passion and inner peace to live out their calling.

 For the average Christian in the US we sacrifice little. We have faith when it is convenient and when it fits within our search for the, “American Dream.” If I am honest, I have to admit that I have left little behind to follow Jesus.

 “The call to follow implies that there is only one way of believing on Jesus Christ, and that is by leaving all and going with the incarnate Son of God.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 There should be so much more to a life of faith than reciting a quick sinners prayer. Make no mistake; we are saved by grace. We can’t earn it nor can we work to make God love us more. Yet the examples in the Bible of those who found faith in Jesus gave up all they had. They gave up their own dreams and agendas to follow him. Their life looked radically different.

 Jesus own words call us to deny our self and take up our cross daily (Matthew 16:24-26). Only when I lay down my own desires and agenda do I discover the richness of the life God has for me. Life should not be about me but about Him. At first glance that sounds miserable and depressing; however, it is not. His life is so much greater than what I can dream on my own.

 We serve a God who is so madly, passionately in love with us He sacrificed his only Son to redeem us back to Him. We are called to leave our nets and follow him with all that we have. There we find His joy and His peace.

 It is time for me to fully leave my nets behind. How about you? I hope this blog will become a place for you to find encouragement as you fully live out each day for the glory of Jesus and to live a life as a witness to your community.

 I am nothing; Jesus is everything! – His everything is more wonderful than any dream I can chase on my own.

Your voice is important; I would love to hear from you.

 How will you leave your nets behind?

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.