Discipleship Point
Matthew 4:18-22
Called to Follow Jesus
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Discipleship Point
About Jesus' Covenant with Me
Hope has fashioned a discipleship covenant on paper that reflects the biblical expectations Jesus shares with His followers. We will look at it in full throughout next week’s devotional time.
For today, we recognize that such a covenant with Jesus exists – an agreement to live as His disciple.
The Discipleship Covenant
That covenant reads, “I acknowledge that the discipleship covenant is not so much with a church or with its pastor, but primarily with Jesus and His rightful calling on my life. I fully understand that although this may not be taught or expected at every church (be it Lutheran or otherwise), it is biblical and in accord with the will of Jesus for ME as HIS DISCIPLE. Having counted the cost of discipleship, I want to follow Jesus and join Him on His mission of making disciples.”
Prayer
Father God, in view of your mercy, I offer my body as a living sacrifice, an act of worship; may it be holy and pleasing. Transform me by renewing my mind that I will be able to test and approve what Your good, pleasing, and perfect will is. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 34:8-11
- O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
- O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
- The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
- Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Psalm 91:7
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
The Promise
Psalm 119:41
May your unfailing love come to me, LORD,
your salvation, according to your promise.
Pondering Point
Even the strongest (lions) go through bouts of weakness and hunger but God care for His own. Internalizing this truth can bring great relief from anxiety.