Jesus' love is like no other.
When we finally respond to Jesus, he communicates with us in a language of love that we can understand. Deep longings rise within us. So we drop our nets and rush across the water just to tell Jesus we love him.
When the time is right,
Jesus focuses our attention on the reason we were created. We are stirred to love beyond ourselves. It becomes a responsive love; exactly how that is shaped will differ for each of us.
Simon did not have the spiritual gifts that John had. That was John’s particular gift, and Jesus nurtured that talent over the many years, even entrusting his mother to John’s care. Simon also did not venture into far-off lands to preach and teach.
Jesus needed a structured, legal mind, so he worked with Paul for that task.
Jesus called Simon just as he was - quick to react and energetic. People were drawn to his straight talk and urgent pace. What you saw was what you got, and ordinary, everyday people could engage easily with his way of being. Simon was to be Jesus’ shepherd. It would not be a glamorous or pretty picture. Serving Jesus can be very costly. But Jesus knew Simon
was up to the task.
Has Jesus been stirring something in you this week through a word, a phrase or your senses?
Are you becoming aware of a gift or talent yearning to reach out from within you? Is Jesus asking you to “Come follow me”?
Reflections by Cherie-Lynn van der Merwe
