Many identify with this “new beginning” genre because deep down we warm to the idea of making a fresh start. To make a change for something new.
It’s that “change for something new” that Jesus speaks to in Matthew 4:19 when he says to two fishermen, Peter and Andrew,“follow me”.
Following Jesus must mean a change. And that is clear in what Jesus says next.
He tells these two fishermen, he “ will make them fishers of men” - he gives them a new purpose. They will no longer bring fish into their boats by casting nets into the sea; they will now bring people into God’s kingdom by casting the message of Jesus into all the world.
And how do Peter and Andrew respond? Matthew 4:20 tells us: “Immediately, they left their nets and followed Jesus”. There was no hesitation. No coercion. Just a sense of enthusiasm. They saw in Jesus someone worth following!
And significantly, they “left their nets” to follow him. They left behind their old life to live a new life with Jesus. They left behind their worldly security, their livelihood, their personal ambition, their individual desires, to follow Jesus and have a new beginning in him.
Everything is different when we meet Jesus. Everything changes for something new.
So, it’s worth considering, how well am I following Jesus today? Have I left behind my old way of living to follow him - and to embrace his new purpose for me with enthusiasm?
~ Contributed by Pastor Chris Taylor of the Deniliquin Baptist Church, on behalf of the Combined Churches of Deniliquin.
