Follow Me
As he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea – for they were fisherman. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets, and followed him. – Matthew 4:18-20
When Jesus said, “Follow me”, the disciples all followed Him. They left their homes, their families, and their jobs to follow Jesus. He called and they answered the call. Would you have made the same decision?
Most of my family and friends at St. Andrew Lutheran Church know I’m a fisherman. Actually, my nick name is “Fish”. And it would be pretty obvious, that the above verse is one of my favorites. I take pride in catching fish, enjoy nature and I enjoy sharing my skills with others, like family, friends and/or kids. Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen too. This was their profession. Catching fish and then selling and/or bartering their daily catch. This was their means to take care of their families. Then Jesus comes along and says “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people”. And immediately they followed. So as a fisherman, I wonder if I would have made the same decision if I were right beside Simon Peter and Andrew.
We believe that Jesus is still calling men and women, boys and girls to follow Him today. We see it every day, in the many charitable acts and/or gifts provided to those in need.
I say as Christians, we are similar to Simon Peter and Andrew. We’ve dropped our nets and are following in the word of Christ. We made the decision with our Baptism, during Confirmation, when we attend workshop, during Baptism renewals and when we pray – I will follow Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Light,
Steve Haller