1/21/21

Our Gospel this week is Mark 1:14-20, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew 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. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus called a group of followers to teach them God’s love and will for us that they might share that blessing with the world after He returned to God. What a wonderful gift, what an awesome responsibility! Jesus expected them to carry on His ministry, a call which has come down to us through the years.

Are we the disciples of today? We may hear that call and say “Lord, we’re not qualified! We can’t do what the Apostles did and certainly not what You have done!” I’m sure Jesus shakes His head, a little sadly perhaps, and reminds us that this is God’s plan for us, that we tell the Good News to all the world and we have been given all we need to accomplish that task.

We must remember how Jesus worked simply and humbly, giving God the glory as He taught us. This is the pattern for sharing He gave us. Our call is to tell others what He has done for us, that they may accept His mercy and forgiveness for themselves.

Gracious God, we find it hard to believe that You would include us in Your plan for creation. Help us to see our gifts and use them to show others the joy of Your love for us. Amen.

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