Mark 1:16-18
“Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.”
“One day as Jesus was walking along, the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished fo a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
Simon and Andrew were the first disciples called by Christ. John and his brother James, fishing just down the shore, were next. I have always wondered at these disciples’ response to Jesus, assuming they had no previous contact with him. Now I see it was just as plausible they had previous experience of Jesus that made them want to abandon all they had known to go on the road with him. Regardless, the Spirit had prepared their hearts for this moment. If I am willing to listen, he prepares my heart too, equipping me for the task that is my God-given calling.
Lord, may I always take time to listen to you. Especially help me to lean into listening prayer more readily. Usually my mind is a whirl with daily chores. They are nothing compared to you and yet I give into them. Help me to relax into listening prayer, to be at peace with doing nothing, that I might hear you, my Lord and my redeemer.