Leave Your Net

During this Easter season, I had a deeper revelation about the disciples of Christ. It was no simple thing to leave it all behind and follow. Following meant leaving their livelihood, their security (or what they thought was their security), everything they had ever depended upon. They left their friends, their families, their wives, their children. They placed their complete trust in this man named Jesus. Think about that.

The disciples literally left it all, and for three years, sat and listened, walked next to Jesus, absorbed His Words. They watched Him perform miracles, watched Him live what He taught, watched Him respond lovingly to those who persecuted Him and others. They learned forgiveness, peace, love and mercy. They went to the University of Jesus for three years. They did not worry what they would eat, what they would wear, where they would sleep, how their 401Ks were doing, whether their kids would make honor roll, how they were going to pay for college, whether their insurance would cover that illness, how they were going to pay for retirement, or what anyone was saying about them.

They just followed.

Jesus told them, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven, and all else will be added to you."

Not some things. All things.

To the employee or employer, Jesus says, "Walk away from the gossip at the lunchroom table. Follow Me." or "Walk away from this job where you are being asked to do things that are not in My plan for your life. Follow Me."

To the politician, Jesus says, "Speak the truth, whether or not it makes you popular with some. Follow Me."

To all of us, Jesus says, " Leave behind your agenda for today, and follow Mine."

Following Him takes trust, and we've been let down by people, so trust can be hard. Sacrifices, yes, but none as great as His.

Oh, Lord, let me be one of your disciples. Let me be willing every day to lay aside my plans and follow Your amazing plan for my life.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11