Mark 1:14-20 (NRSV)
Read Mark 1:14-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
Verse 15and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."
Devotion
When I was a boy growing up a couple blocks away from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, I would drop everything else for the chance to go fishing, even when it meant sitting on a hard seat in our old green row boat. I suppose when fishing is one's livelihood—like for Simon, Andrew, James and John—it felt different. So when Jesus came along and said "follow me and I will make you become fishers of people" there was some appeal. Perhaps you too have wondered what went through their minds as they heard that invitation? Were they chomping at the bit and ready for a change? But the gospel writer isn’t interested in their feelings, only that they responded immediately.
I’ve also wondered what it would take to get me to suddenly abandon my current life and follow someone on a new and unknown journey? I think I'd want a trial run, a probationary period during which both I and the one calling me could evaluate my suitability for the job. Even being retired with fewer responsibilities, what would it take to trust someone enough to follow? The question still haunts me at times and I wonder, what if…
Prayer
Lord, keep us open to whatever new thing you might call us to do. Fill us with trust to follow wherever you lead. And to recognize your leading each day. Amen.