The voice sailed through the thick sea air,
Its sound waves rippled across the watery surface,
Waking fishermen's ears;
It was a call of a lifetime.
A call that carries through time and space,
Reverberating still.
A call for them.
A call for us.
A call to those who've not yet come.
It’s the call of Christ.
The call to follow.
Let’s look closely at the Lord’s call, remember His call to discipleship.
Saying yes to His call is to say yes to:
Follow
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 make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him
(Mt 4:18-20).
It's not enough to hear the call. It is to respond in faith. It calls for unconditional surrender. And then to let Him lead. Allow Him to use your gifts for His purpose. A purpose to grow the family of God in Christ.
Changed Lives
Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don't be afraid;
from now on you will catch men.’ So they
pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him
(Lk 5:10b-11).
The lives of the twelve disciples were never the same. So it is with all His faithful followers. Buried in baptismal waters, He raises the believer to a new life, hidden in Him. Are you willing to leave everything of your old life behind?
Messenger Duty
He said to them, ‘Go into all the world
and preach the good news to all creation’
(Mk 16:15).
We have been called to share the good news of the gospel. We are called to tell. Tell others He is the Way, the Truth, the Life. Tell others that He lives and will return. Tell others that there is more to life than this life.
Love in Community
A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another (Jn 13:34-35).
Answering the call is to respond in obedience to the Lord’s commands. A command to love. It is to love in such a way, fueled by the Spirit, that others see Him.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, to live differently, to be His messenger, and, above all, to love.
Remember, God’s grace is sufficient to answer His every call.
Lord Jesus, You are ever calling from distant shores. Help me to listen. To move these feet to follow. And to live and love as I should.