I was really struck by the reading Baptist Mission Australia chose for today because it speaks so powerfully about what we are going through right now.
It describes a moment of crisis. Jesus calls Simon and Andrew and “immediately” they leave their nets and follow him. James and John, too, Jesus “immediately calls” and they also follow. The Greek word ‘euthus’ points to how urgent and decisive their actions are. And there is also our opening verse, verse 14, “after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news…”
Something challenging is happening in each scenario – almost in each sentence. There are losses to count. The great loss of a companion and relative in ministry for Jesus. The loss of security and income and honour in leaving behind their family businesses for Simon, Andrew, James and John.
And yet the catalyst for this crisis and their willingness not to count their losses comes from Jesus’ invitation to be part of proclaiming the good news of God – to be part of proclaiming that the kingdom of God (the kin-dom/the family of God) is near/is here – to invite people into the new way of life the kin-dom offers.
We, too, over the past six years – but particularly this weekend – are experiencing an ‘immediately’ moment – acknowledging our losses, but not counting our losses because we have also been invited to proclaim the good news – the good news of God’s unfailing love for everyone.
As I was preparing this week, I came across this prayer which summed it up!
Gracious Christ, you came to the fishermen when the prophet John was taken away. Come to us now, as we fear losses of our own. Grant us courage to cast aside the nets that bind us, to follow you into true freedom and newness of life. Help us to be faithful disciples, that we might inspire others to follow in your ways. Amen. — written by B.J. Beu, and posted on the Ministry Matters website.