Dropping our Nets

When the first disciples dropped their nets, they showed us that following Jesus reorders the entire centre of our lives. Discipleship is never just a ‘once off’ event within our regular routines or simply a matter of turning up here on a Sunday –although that’s part of it– as Paul exhorts us, don’t neglect gathering together! But the time we first clearly heard Jesus call gives us a focal point for reflecting on our journey.

What first drew you toward Jesus? For many of us, it was His unconditional love, His forgiveness and acceptance of us. But staying near Him requires a shift in how we live out our days in every space and place.

Leaving our metaphorical “nets” means letting go of the familiar comforts, habits or securities that have begun to hinder our obedience. But discipleship isn’t only about what we lay down. It’s also about what we take hold of like love, generosity, forgiveness, courage, justice, community and deeper trust in Jesus. For Simon and Andrew, the point of dropping the nets wasn’t the nets– it was Jesus. Following Jesus means both releasing what gets in the way and taking hold of the life He is inviting us into.

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been following Jesus for a little time or a looooong time, He continues to beckon us forward into a future that reflects Kingdom values and brings life. He continues to beckon us towards Himself.

So I’d encourage you to pray these questions this week and see what the Spirit reveals:

Where are you holding back from letting Jesus have the final say?
What is Jesus asking you to lay down so you can follow Him more freely?
What is Jesus asking you to hold more tightly?
And where might Jesus be inviting you to step forward, rather than simply step away?

Colleen