Where Are You Stepping?

     Please read Matthew 4:12-24.  Jesus was an itinerant minister.  A great light, our Savior, was delivered to those living in darkness.  He says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”   The gospel message of Jesus began with repentance.  We have sinned and we need to acknowledge our sin.  

     Repentance includes changing from our hurtful ways but also means to turn around.  It is a change of heart.  Our God, not waiting to punish us, yearns to stand by us, craves a relationship with us, and is ready to restore us, and eager to celebrate our return.  

     Maybe like me, you see repentance as a “Jesus is calling us moment.”  Each time our phone rings, most of us look down to see who it is, preparing ourselves for the conversation, and supposing the topic as we answer it.   Friends, Jesus is calling – imagine that visual.  We have the privilege to accept or decline his call.  It is our choice.  

     Salvation is a gift, one with no strings attached.  Repentance is our decision to get right with God.  Our submission, our response to Jesus’ call, must be genuine. God wants an honest relationship with us, flawed people, as we work toward being more like Jesus.

     Following him, these four disciples left.  They did not negotiate for a later time, offer an excuse, or a plethora of reasons why the present time was not good.  They followed, leaving their livelihood and their families.  We too are invited to follow.  Frankly, every decision we make changes us – we either move closer to God or step further away.  Where are you stepping today? 

     This opportunity to follow is an invitation to us.  Just like the disciples were not perfect people neither are we.  They were chosen to represent humanity with strengths and weaknesses.  Peter was impetuous, gruff, outspoken, and emotional, Andrew was quiet and unassuming, John was characterized as passionate and a bit arrogant, and James was known to be a tad fanatical, but each of them were called and answered Jesus’ call to join him to become fishers of people.   Ordinary people with ordinary jobs, much like you and me, invited to walk with Jesus and share the light with others and each responded.

     Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote that the call to “follow me” was a call to “absolute discipleship.”  It comes at a high cost.  It’s unconditional and complete surrender; an action-oriented commitment.  Bonhoeffer lived the life he was called to serve…to the end of his earthly life when he was hanged in a concentration camp for publicly opposing Naziism.  Following Jesus has a cost…  When someone sits alone in the office or at the lunch table…follow Jesus … sit and invest your time in them listening to their story.    Following Jesus has a cost…When it is easier to stay in bed…follow Jesus….draw near and worship in communion.  Following Jesus has a cost…when the words of a colleague or friend are coarse and disrespectful…follow Jesus… respond in love and forgiveness. Following Jesus has a cost… instead of joining in…follow Jesus…walk away from the gossip.  Following Jesus has a cost…when a person is hungry or without shelter…follow Jesus… and respond physically, offering a meal or your coat. 

     Each of us hears a different call and discerns our purpose through prayer and then is given the opportunity to contribute to the fabric of God’s plan.  Again, where are we stepping?  “The Kingdom of God is near.”  This is a plea and a warning and the choice is ours.  

     Life is a journey and as we try to control it, we might get frustrated.  We need to let go and let God, changing what we can and accepting what we can’t; seeing the beauty among the mess. We need to be aware that there is a chance we will trip along the way, lose our footing, and sometimes we will step out of line or even get lost, but confident that in the end, with God’s help, each believer will arrive safely Home, trusting in our God and the plans for our life.   

     Our decision to follow Jesus is an opportunity to be “re”formed.  Trusting in our Creator, we are shaped.   As we surrender to God’s sovereignty, relinquishing our need to control and trusting that God reigns supreme over all circumstances, and striving to align our will with His divine purpose, we will know His peace as He works all things for good even when they seem chaotic.  

     Through Scripture we witnessed God remove the excess, take away what was messy, and carve out what is not necessary in the disciples.  Like them, we are molded and reshaped –the stains and imperfections are removed- and we are reformed.  As we submit to God’s ways, we are under God’s care, able to withstand the pressure and heat, turning us (lumps of clay) into strong vessels.  God holds on to us with gentle hands and draws near as we wobble - supporting us to come into balance again.  As we earnestly attempt to follow Jesus by using His life and light as our guide, in us will be produced a life for His purpose.  Today let’s go to God in prayer, repent, and strive to follow Christ.  Let’s invite Jesus to guide our feet and our heart, aligning to His will and responding to his call.  And all God’s people say…amen! 

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry    

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