So they followed him

Daily Worship

Norah Summers

January 24, 2018

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Mark 1: 14-20

14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”

16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” 18 At once they left their nets and went with him.

19 He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. 20 As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.

A fresh start – well, it is a New Year, still.

Resolutions still holding?

No resolutions? – probably wise.

Never in their wildest dreams

can Simon and Andrew have imagined a fresh start like this,

and it was certainly not on their list of resolutions.

Settled in a secure, if often hazardous, job,

they had no notion of anything different,

no yearning for a change of scene,

or promotion,

or new companions -

and most certainly not the life Jesus was offering them.

“Follow me,” he said,

so they followed him.

Just like that,

the old life left behind with the nets,

no argument,

no looking back –

well, the lake could still put the fear of death in them,

and the apparent recklessness of their new companion could still amaze them,

and they certainly could not have imagined where their following would take them –

but they are a byword for heeding their call,

and stepping out into the unknown.

Constant God,

at this New Year,

this start of something unknown,

this time of resolutions and hopes,

this time of apprehension and what-if –

we place ourselves in your hands,

trusting in your constant love,

in your provision and care,

in your unfailing mercy,

in your wisdom and guidance,

through all that this year may bring.