week of 1-10-11 1st recorded Highquest Bible Study

The passage I read was Matthew 4:18-22

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4:18-22&version=NIV

My summary of the passage is this:

In this passage we see Jesus gathering some of his disciples. He chose 4 fishermen here, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. As he comes across each set of brothers fishing (which was their job/source of income) He calls to them telling them to follow Him. Both times, the brothers immediately drop what they are doing and begin following after Jesus.

As I reflect:

John 1:35-42 and Luke 5:3 both indicate previous encounters these brothers had with Jesus. One encounter hearing that He is the “Lamb of God” and the other encounter being the miracle of full nets after a day of null. I think one of the most important things that can be taken from this is the unyielding devotion to following after and learning from the Lord. Notice that upon each encounter the brothers immediately dropped what they were doing and began following after Jesus. There was no question of whether or not this was the Messiah. They knew this was no ordinary Rabbi. This particular teacher wasn’t questioned by them as to how he would provide food for them or what the benefit of learning from Him would be. These questions didn’t exist. Only the excitement of being called to follow after the Son of God. At this call, they left everything behind. They didn’t bring any fishing nets with them to follow after God. They didn’t hesitate. And it’s not like they were just sitting around waiting on a teacher because they were poor. They were involved in a lucrative business. As a matter of fact, Zebedee’s family employed others. They followed after the Lord because they were honored by the calling and they knew that they were being called by a King. So it is with us, that when we are called, we should know that many times it is required that we leave things behind to follow after God (namely, the “old you”) and take hold of the new life He has for us. We should not hesitate or put off chasing after God. Let no excuse hinder you from being in the service of the King of Kings. Rest assured you are called. Will you answer appropriately? Do you realize what you are being offered in the calling?

My response to the Lord:

Almighty and eternal God, protector of all who put their trust in thee, may you accept my life as a living sacrifice. You are worthy of so much more than I give. Here I read of those that are my examples and how they simply left everything behind to follow after you full heartedly. I want to be so devoted to you that nothing else in this world could matter more. Not T.V., beauty rest, comfort, pride, or any of the many other traps the enemy attempts to use to keep me from following after you. Lord, I put you first in my life. You are the very center of my relationship with my wife and with my kids. You are the cause of my character growth and all things good in me. You are the reason I rise to face each day and you are the reason I step out of my comfort zone. You are my everything Father. May I let no excuse ever hinder me from giving you my full measure of devotion. Empower me in this, that I may be useful in bringing nearer the kingdom, In Jesus name.