DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONALS: MARCH 20 THE LOVELY INVITATIONS OF JESUS (1) SCRIPTURE: MARK 1: 16 – 17
Our LORD Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth was full of pleasant invitations to the peoples of this world. Pleasant invitations in the sense that He invited people with love, passion, and with vivid explanations of what the invitees stand to gain. There are lots and lots recorded about Jesus’ healing, delivering as well as casting out demons or unclean spirits during His ministry. This devotional feels good to point at another good side of Jesus’ ministry on the earth. His invitations to different people of different personalities and social values deserve looking into. The first that comes to mind here is His invitation extended to Peter and his brother at the sea shore. The Bible has this: “Come, follow me and I will show you how to fish for people” (Mark 1: 16 Africa Study Bible). Looking into this invitation, the following facts will stand out.
The word “come” is passionately spoken. It is not a commanding voice. It sounds more than an appeal from who has respect for human values. He told them “come” because He saw that the job they have been doing year in and year out has no prospect of attracting honour from people. *The second ingredient of the invitation is “follow me”, indicating that He knows where He was going. He knew what great the future has for Peter and Andrew if they follow Him; He knew the ways to get there. Thus He said “follow me”. Jesus saw a glorious future for Peter and Andrew who never saw the way to get there. So He said “Follow Me”. He who knows Himself as the way and the door, knew the best way Peter and Andrew will take to arrive at a successful life achievement. Therefore, He said “follow me.”
Jesus then told them, “I will make you fishers of men.” Or as Africa Study Bible puts it “I will show you how to fish for people.” Jesus knew that fishing holds no prospect for Peter and his brother. Jesus had seen before the invitation how Peter would become the head of His disciples which carries more prestige. Jesus has all the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of what will make Peter and his brother great. He was willing and ready to teach them the skills and ways into a better lucrative business. Jesus is not the earthly people who see talent in people and try to kill it. He rather brings out inferior talent in man, upgrade it to higher value. All His Disciples were picked from humble backgrounds. Today, they all are history icons. The beloved, Jesus is still in life the business of calling people to teach them how to succeed in businesses. Can you hear His calling today? Will you be ready to follow Him?
PRAYER:
LORD JESUS, I am all ears today waiting for your invitation to follow you. You have seen new ways of succeeding in my works and businesses. Please call me now. Holy Spirit, make me hear the voice of Jesus talking to me today for I am ready to follow Him.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch
You can reach us through: ubaudenyi@gmail.com or patienceaye@gmail.com
