Following Jesus

​1-23-21
Today's devotion is based on Mark 1:14-20, "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men."  And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John, his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him."
They were simple, first-century fishers going about their work. Until, one day, Jesus called out and said, "Come, follow me." They knew of Jesus. They had seen him before and had even witnessed his first miracle. But they could not possibly understand what they were in for by following him. The same Jesus calls for you to follow him. Like those first-century fishermen, you cannot possibly know what it will mean to follow Jesus.
But you will be so glad you did. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He is a light shining in this dark world, helping you make sense of it all and see who you are and who your God is. Follow him through the twists and turns of this life, and he will lead you to the heaven he bought for you with his blood. You will be eternally thankful you did!
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Jesus, I realize that following you will not always be easy. But I know it will always be best. Please grant me the willingness and strength to follow you through this life and into the next. In your holy name, I pray. Amen