Choosing Jesus

If you had a prosperous business, would you walk away from it to follow Jesus?

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. - Mark 1:14-20

James and John worked for their father in what was most likely a prosperous fishing business.  Their future was secured.  They would inherit the business and live good lives.

But they were called and chose to follow Jesus.

Now one could argue that their father's business would survive their departure.  After all, the father had hired hands, so he was doing quite well, but by leaving, they left their father with an uncertain future.  Who would take over the business?

Perhaps that is one of the questions that would hold us back from making the commitment to be all in when we choose to follow Jesus.  Who will take over?  How will I survive?  What about my family?

Security is a primary driver in our decision-making process.  Will this bring enough for us to be secure in life?

Jesus might offer a challenge to that.  Have you no faith?

Choosing Jesus means we have to put our faith in Him, and believe that if we do, He will provide the opportunities to succeed and be secure.

Of course there will be obstacles and challenges.  There always are.

We don't know what the future will bring, even if we stay with father and his business.

One thing to think about here is this.  Jesus didn't give them much time to think about their decision.  He said come, and they came.

I wonder if he offered the same choice to others who hesitated.

More to come...