Willing Men-Fishers - Matthew 4
This chapter spoke to me about the authority of the presence of Jesus. If you've ever met someone who commanded attention and respect - not so much by what was being said, but more by the way the words were spoken, or the simple manner of the person: confidence or enthusiasm - then you can start to imagine how it must have been when Jesus arrived on the scene.
Well, why not? He knew who He was (is). Jesus has confidence and security. When He speaks, even E.F. Hutton listens (for those of you old enough to remember that marketing campaign).
Picture Peter and his brother Andrew doing their daily fishing routine when Jesus walks up.
19 Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!" 20 And they left their nets at once and went with him.
At once! they left everything and followed Jesus. Would I do that? Dunno - if Jesus walked up, I might. I'd like to think I would. But to read about His authority is one thing. To experience it is another.
Do you have this kind of confidence? Do you know who you are? Or more importantly, do you know WHOSE you are? Look at the lyrics to the song, "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns:
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name, would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star would choose to light the way for my ever wandering heart.
Chorus:
Not because of who I am but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done but because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the wind
Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you've told me who I am.I am yours
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin would look on me with love and watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea would call out through the rain and calm the storm in me.
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours
I am yours
You are Sons of the Most High! Live Bold!
peace,
e
