Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Call and Commission to be Christ’s Disciples

Bible Portion: Matthew 4: 17-22

“At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:20)

Devotion

Jesus prayerfully handpicked his disciples, and told them to follow Him. He called them for permanent ministry. He inspired them to be fishers of men. He trained them for their new job. Simon Peter and Andrew were the sons of Jona. James and John were the sons of Zebedee and Salome and the cousins of Jesus. These four people were like us, just average, and not very brave. James and John were ambitious, quarrelsome sons of thunder. Peter was impulsive and was outspoken. Andrew was loyal and drew people to Jesus. Each person had their own individuality. Jesus created an orchestra out of their distinctiveness. All of them were friendly, passionate and enthusiastic about the Kingdom of God. They were able to leave their home and livelihood for a new cause, the Kingdom. They were uneducated fishermen by occupation. They were proficient at fishing. Their area of work was mainly the Sea of Galilee. They were marginalized. Jesus was a visionary; He saw potential of who they could become for the Kingdom. Jesus walked into their space. They were living in the darkness, however when the Light arrived in their life, they left their past behind, and walked in the newness of life as exemplified by Jesus. When they were called, they did not make any excuse. On the contrary, they responded positively without ignoring. They obeyed, and submitted themselves to Him. They were attracted to His call, a pull like a magnet, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They accepted His invitation without any questions. They made themselves available, despite of their busy lives.
 
Jesus spent quality time with them and satiated their spiritual needs. He prepared them to be fishers of men, to attract fallen human beings with spiritual food required for their salvation. Christ’s influence made them the salt of the earth and the light of the world. They became faithful and committed to their commission. They had theoretical coaching and practical practice lessons too. They were blessed to be personally taught by the greatest guru of all times, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. They were prepared for evangelism. At the end of their training session, Jesus Christ commissioned them to go to the ends of the world, to proclaim the Gospel and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is calling each of us for His ministry today. Are we responding to His call positively? Are we willing to let go of our distractions and focus on His ministry?
 
Prayer
Heavenly Father, prepare us with a heart inclined towards evangelism, to reach out to the perishing souls. Embolden us to preach the Word in season and out of season. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Thought for the Day
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Saramma Chacko
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church New York

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