"Practically Divine" - Week 1

Read: Mark 1:16-27

The book of Mark moves quickly. It is said to be the Gospel that is most focused on the things that Jesus did rather than who He was. Also, it’s believed that Mark wrote the book but Peter narrated. It completely makes sense to me that Peter narrated the most action-packed of the four Gospels.

You just read Mark’s retelling of Jesus choosing the first disciples. Talk about practically divine! These guys were doing the very mundane task of casting nets into the Sea when Jesus strolled by and simply said, “Follow me.” Immediately (an overused word in Mark’s story) they followed Him. And, soon after, they witnessed Jesus driving out an evil spirit.

What do you think caused them to immediately say, “yes?” I am so curious about these things. Was it a feeling? A hunch? Did they just notice there was something different? Whatever it was, they chose correctly. Their choice that day set them up to experience supernatural events for the rest of their days.

Are you being challenged to follow Jesus? You’re here, so I believe most of you are already Jesus-followers. If not, message me. I would love to answer any questions you have or pray with you to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. We have no hope of divine experiences without a relationship with Jesus. Beyond the acceptance of Jesus for salvation, though, is He asking you to move further with Him?

I wonder what these boys’ friends and family said about them when they immediately took off to follow a stranger? Don’t you imagine they were questioned by some and joked about my many? There is no record of them wavering, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. Faith is difficult! But, they stayed. They kept moving forward with Jesus, even in uncertainty. Do you need to make this kind of radical decision?

Today, spend some time in prayer for guidance. Ask God to clearly share a next step with you concerning family, a job, a friend, etc. Ask Him to instruct and to provide you with the courage to immediately obey. Part of our obedience could be to do something outside of tradition. Jesus healed on the Sabbath and made some religious people angry. (It won’t be the last time.) I’m convinced that God is calling us to truly follow in Jesus’ loving footsteps, and it will make some religious people angry.

Becca said it this way, The bravest thing we can do in this world is not cling to old ideas or fear of judgment, but step out and just do something for love’s sake.” (page xvii)

What is the old idea or fear that trips you up or keeps you from immediately obeying God's "next" instruction?

God, call us and direct us as clearly as you called Peter and Andrew. Then, make us bold and brave like the first disciples. May it be said of us, “Immediately, she obeyed.”