 |
| HOUSE OF SEALTHIEL - CONSTRUCTION November 30, 2019 |
“Come after Me,
and I will make you fishers of men.”
MATTHEW 4:19
This profound statement of our Lord Jesus Christ serves as an invitation to follow Him and become His disciples, spreading His teachings and love to others. The metaphor of “fishers of men” suggests that just as fishermen catch fish from the sea, Jesus’ followers are called to bring people into a deeper relationship with God. The message resonates with themes of faith, purpose, and service. It encourages us to seek a higher calling and share the transformative message of love, redemption, and salvation with others.
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed Him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-22)
Following Jesus is a profound journey that encompasses both faith and action. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, the Bible provides essential guidance on how to follow Jesus. Here are some key principles:
Acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior. His sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness for your sins and an eternal relationship with God. Open your heart to Him, seek His will, and experience His comforting presence and wisdom.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The Scripture says, No one who believes in Him will be put to shame. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. (Romans 10:9-18)
Know the Bible: Dive into God’s Word. Study the Scriptures, learn about Jesus’ teachings, and apply them to your life. The Bible is your guidebook for following Him.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)
Love God and love Others: Prioritize your love for God above all else. As Jesus said in Mark 12:30, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Show your love through prayer, worship, and actions. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others. Be a reflection of His love in your interactions.
Pray: Cultivate a consistent prayer life. Communicate with God, seek His guidance, and share your joys and struggles. Prayer connects you to Him intimately.
Be Like Jesus: Follow His example. Walk in His footsteps, serve others, and live out His teachings. Remember, following Jesus isn’t just about words; it’s about embodying His love, grace, and truth in your daily life.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES
Matthew 4:18-22
V: Jews and Gentiles in God's Plan
RIGHTEOUSNESS BASED ON FAITH
Romans 10:1-21
First Book of Psalms 1-41
GOD'S GLORY IN THE HEAVENS AND IN THE LAW
Psalm 19:1-15
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat