(Mark 1:16-20 ESV)
Jesus called them.
They IMMEDIATELY left and followed him.
They didn't stop to help put away the fishing nets.
They didn't stop to take care of anything.
They didn't even go home and change.
They just stopped what they were doing.
Left what they were doing actually.
And followed Christ.
Because he called them.
It's not like he had first formed a relationship with them.
He was passing by.
Told he would make them fishers of men rather than fishers of fish.
And they simply came.
Doesn't it blow you away?
How often does God call us and we have to take care of the details first before we just listen to him and immediately do what he asks?
Why don't we just listen and just come?
Of course as I read this over I was struck by something else.
Jesus saw these men working and HE immediately called over to them. He didn't stand there wondering if they might be of use to him. He just basically said "hey guys, come follow me. I will make you fishers of men". It was like he knew these men were exactly what he wanted.
Rough and tough fishermen. Out there doing their job.
And that was what he wanted.
And they listened.
So we had the start to the 12 disciples of Jesus.
Simon, Andrew, James and John. The first four. Brothers Simon and Andrew. Brothers James and John.
Leaving the family business to travel with Jesus.
Their parents must have been shocked.
Possibly alarmed.
Wondering how they would get the work done now.
But the men simply left and followed when Jesus called them.
What have I left for Christ?
What have you left for Christ?
Let us listen when he calls eh?