They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
Ever wonder what Zebedee was thinking? Heres this poor guy, probably in his 40s, which at that time was pretty old, doing his best to run a business and raise his kids. James and John were his retirement plan. Then, all of a sudden, this stranger blows through and off they go. How on earth is he supposed to run things while theyre off having their fun gallivanting around with this new rabbi?
Theres also Elisha. Elijah shows up and gives him a coat. This impacts Elisha so profoundly that he burns down his business for a backyard beef barbecue. A guy comes to follow Jesus and he says, Im homeless. Is that what you want to follow. Another said, I want to follow you but let me bury my dad first. Jesus answered Let the [spiritually] dead bury the [physically] dead. To the rich young ruler Jesus said Sell everything and give it to the poor, then come and follow me. We like to interpret this as: Lower your standard of living but Jesus said, Sell everything. No interpretation needed.
Paul gave up his reputation and education along with his physical security. (Just read through the abuse he took.) Matthew gave up his good paying government job. Zacchaeus gave up all his illegitimate profits with 400% interest and then half of everything that was left. A little boy gave up his lunch. John gave up his head.
Everyone who is called to follow Jesus is called to give up a lot. I think sometimes we get our signals crossed. I think we are saying, I think God wants me to give up watching American Idol. When God is really saying, Give up your American idols. Take that smart phone down to the pawn shop and give the money to World Vision. While youre at it bring your laptop and your desktop, your IPad and your IPod, your PS3 and that big screen TV. Then come follow me. When Jesus came he gave up everything. Sad thing is, we cant even follow through on our compromise. After a week or two were right back to our American Idols.
God, help me to let go, that I might grasp hold of You.
