Considering the call of these first followers of Jesus from the perspective of God, underscores the counter-cultural power of God working to disrupt human inclinations of wanting to shape and determine the outcomes of their lives. Ready or not, God breaks into human lives in unexpected and life-changing ways.
This week's news
Where and for what is God in Christ calling us to do right now in order to live out a life of faith and faithfulness? What demands God’s time and urgency at this time and what is our response? Is it seeking to find answers to acts of terror in the name of religion, voicing our support for neighbours fearing for their lives, challenging the rise of populist parties and xenophobia across Europe or taking on the distortions of our economic life together, the idol of economic growth and the disparities these have created within and between nations? Walking the Jesus Way is costly as the early followers of Jesus knew when they responded to his call. Miracles though, are waiting to happen. The power of God will stir faith and bring hope where these may be lacking, moving us out of our comfortableness!
Reflection
Location matters
The calling located at the lakeside is not insignificant. Can it be that Jesus is making a subversive statement about demands and implications of following him? As one example, consider the fishing industry of first century Palestine: it is tied up to Caesar and Empire and it is no coincidence that the Sea of Galilee is also named or mapped as the Sea of Tiberias. Caesar and Rome occupies it and the locals need special passes to fish from their own lake. Can it be that the calling out and away from the sea is already signifying that the Jesus Way is going to be a threat to Caesar?
Calling imperatives and subversion
Jesus’ call of engagement in God’s rule is present in two timely imperatives. It is firstly time to ‘turn around’ or ‘repent’ in response to the call of discipleship. It is an invitation to reflect, reconsider, reassess, reexamine lives in the light of the Gospel. This is coupled with the necessity ‘to believe’ both giving content to an ongoing response in obedience to the call to follow. It is clearly a disruptive call that upsets the system both for those called and those left behind.
New community in God’s economy
Perspectives matter. This invitation of Jesus is to a new way of looking at life – with a new set of priorities. It is a call to become part of a new community (God’s community) shaped around kingdom values such as love, compassion and justice. It is going to be a ‘turning away’ from existing socio-economic structures and stifling religious traditions. In this new community, identity would be found as followers of the ‘Way’ – God’s economy – as taught and lived by Jesus.
Stepping out – a lifelong adventure
There is something compelling enough about Jesus and his offer that prompts these four (and others) immediately to join his new community – to become his disciples. Given our penchant to quibble over details and make all sorts of provisions and checks before we can imagine or engage in ministry today, here is an example of what it means to step out in faith! Can it be that we get altogether too comfortable or too unwilling to risk stepping out in faith? Following Jesus is an invitation to risk an adventure in which we examine our privilege portfolio, shed unnecessary luggage and throw ourselves into the arms of grace. Where this leads is God’s business.
Prayer
This could be used as a Collect.
God who breaks into our lives whether we are ready or not,
we thank you for finding us where we are,
for loving us as we are,
and for accompanying us
on the way you have called us to walk.
Stir in us an adventurous heart daring to step out in faith.
When the distractions of alluring idols beckon us,
keep us steadfast in the joy
and assurance of your accompanying presence.
We pray in the name of Jesus,
who invites us into your way of full life.
Amen.
Questions
- What in this week’s gospel reading stays with you? What challenges you? What surprises you most?
- Reflect on what would make you give up the familiar to pursue an entirely new life. What would stir you to do this?
Action
As you gather after worship for tea/coffee, consider with a few others present what your congregation would need to do differently to enable them to become the kind of people God is calling them to be. What would need to happen? Commit yourself to continuing the conversation with others, sharing the insights with your church leadership and becoming an agent of the change!
Young people
- Reflect on situations you know of that have drawn people to make a big change – to move in a new direction. What was compelling enough to draw them to a new life?
- What would make you do that (even if it is not about abandoning everything you have known)?
Michael Jagessar, a minister of the United Reformed Church, is currently secretary for racial justice and inter-cultural ministry. He is the immediate past moderator of the General Assembly (2012-2014) of the United Reformed Church. Read more from Michael at caribleaper.co.uk
Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.