Jesus
begins his ministry by calling Simon, Andrew, James and John: “Follow me, and I
will make you fish for people.” “Follow”
seems like such a straight forward word. It means to go behind, go after,
pursue or tag along. Yet, like most words its meaning and thus the credence we
give to it have everything to do with the particulars of how we understand and
put it into action.
We
follow lots of people and things in this world. We follow musicians, writers,
sports teams, personalities and commentators. We follow people on Facebook and
Twitter. We follow people on the interstate and in check out lines. What does
it mean to “follow” this Jesus?
Biblical
scholar, Walter Brueggeman writes: “Where the gospel of God’s reign is
preached, people are called to absolute obedience. The abruptness of the
disciples’ departure (from family and the
family fishing business), and their instant acceptance of Jesus’ invitation
to “fish for people” underscore the sharp demands of discipleship. The message
of God’s reign is not for the tentative and indecisive, because it necessitates
wholehearted allegiance. It brings a severing of old relationships and
securities. It puts people to following Jesus, the one whose person and
ministry embody God’s reign.”
What
do we really mean when we say we are “followers” of Jesus? Are we prayerfully
watching for Jesus’ lead? Are we seeking God’s guidance in the fabric of each
and every day? Or is our following more distant, less involved?
Sounds
like a great question for Lent, doesn’t it? How will we will be “followers” of
Christ this week? Will that following
make a real difference in how we live and engage others? Or has our following Jesus become just
another one of the many followings we participate in each day of our lives?
~
Rich Greenway
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