Meeting Jesus.... may have huge consequences

Matthew 4:12-23

We considered first that Jesus came to meet Peter, Andrew, James and John in the middle of their everyday lives and occupations. Does he still do this? Often through other people or situations?He said 'Follow me' – and still does to us. Perhaps that's all he says, doesn't give us rules and regulations to follow, but doing that is not easy, will probably take a lifetime with God's grace helping us to attempt it. The 4 fishermen left the security and safety of their jobs, and left immediately, reminding us of the great difference Jesus can make in our lives.

The consequences of this encounter – were tremendous. For the 4 men being with Jesus for 3 years, and then the certainly unexpected to them, event of Jesus' crucifixion and mind blowing Resurrection, and then to being leaders of the early church, and probable martyrdom. And after them, many great saints and ordinary people have had their lives changed by also trying to follow Jesus. Cf the recently released film 'Of Gods and Men'. Greatly acclaimed it beautifully represents the 9 French monks who lived happily alongside Muslim villagers in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. When extremists threatened both them and the villagers the monks are then shown individually and collectively questioning their faith and calling. They all chose to remain rather than return to France and 7 were kidnapped and killed in 1996.

We agreed we wouldn't be at TFG but for the first disciples following Jesus and telling others. Unlike them or the monks we may not have to leave our present lives; do we always remember though that it's there we should be trying to follow Jesus everyday? Peter and the others got it wrong at times, the monks faced hard choices. Following Jesus doesn't mean following blindly leaving our free will behind. How will choose to follow Jesus so that others will hear of Jesus' love?

Judith Platt