The life changing power of saying “Yes” to Jesus.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18–20, NKJV)
It is easy to read stories from scripture and think of them as holy writings. Some cannot link the stories to real life.
But the stories from scripture are as real as reading this blog. A great way to read is to project yourself into the story.
Every fisherman can relate.
Let’s dive in.
The fishing business
Simon and Andrew are real people in the throes of real life. They are businessmen. Hardworking men with a fishing business.
As we know, commercial fishing is no easy gig. The payoff is simple. You catch fish and sell them to the market for a day’s wage. And you come back the next morning and do it all again.
The fishing life comprises early mornings and long days. In Destin, Florida, we have witnessed the fishermen arrive at the dock around noon. They dock the boat and clean fish for hours.
The conditions are less than 5-star. Another factor is the temperature. The smell, the blood and guts, and the wind add to the terrible conditions. After a few hours of cleaning fish, they deliver the catch of the day to several onshore restaurants and do it all again the next day.
This is not glamorous.
Simon and Andrew get it.
Insert Jesus
A stranger arrives. His name is Jesus. And the stranger offers an even stranger invitation. The invitation is to follow Him. Sound a little cultist?
The invite is strange, and the response even more strange.
Notice:
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Wow! What have we just witnessed?
Jesus said:
“Come, follow me … and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:20, NKJV)
What was the draw? Were Simon and Andrew tired of the fishing business? Not sure. Maybe.
Were they feeling insignificant, burned out, not appreciated?
But maybe it’s more than that.
Maybe they were ready to change from just a job to something more.
The outcome is profound.
Jesus unlocks their hearts
We know that something deep was happening inside their hearts. Simon and Andrew were searching and looking for change.
Jesus unlocks a dream deep within their hearts. A dream to contribute to others. A deep desire to offer social change and social transformation.
Their “yes” was a willingness to take a chance.
Simon and Andrew were obviously successful fishermen. We know this because they had hired hands onboard. But success was not enough.
How many of us would trade success for significance any day of the week?
Success never carries ultimate satisfaction.
The real story
The story behind the story. God chose these men before the foundation of the world. Despite our thoughts, we do not choose God; He chooses us.
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:4, NKJV)
Deep within their hearts, the Holy Spirit invited Simon and Andrew into a new life. We know this happened.
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12, NKJV)
Simon and Andrew had a knowing. A knowing to accept the invitation to follow Jesus.
Jesus was compelling
Jesus had an obvious presence that left people in awe and wonder. People felt His love and peace.
The scripture reveals that people ran to see Jesus.
“At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick, and those who were demon-possessed. And they gathered together the whole city at the door.” (Mark 1:32–33, NKJV)
Jesus was popular. The whole city was gathered at His door. There was an obvious draw on people. A draw to be near Him.
Jesus not only drew these men. But Jesus also invited 10 other men to be His disciples. And they all said yes.
The invitation has a hidden pull. Come means more than just come.
To be told to “come” means that you were chosen. If God chose you (and He did), it’s a big deal. It means that God has a work for you. A work or opportunity that exceeds our earthly endeavors.
Which one of us would turn down an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others?
Serving others is the ultimate satisfaction.
Simon and Andrew experienced shock but were ready to say yes.
They said yes to a higher call. Jesus confirmed what they knew was coming.
The invitation is also for you and me.
If Jesus drops by, just say yes.
This article first appeared at Medium.
