Key Thought

I don't know about you, but I love to fish. However, fishing is a hobby, not my livelihood. What Jesus is saying to these fishermen is that he is going to take their livelihood and transform it into a way to change people's lives for God. Now these fishermen completely left their fishing boats behind, at least for awhile. Most of us, however, he asks to stay in our vocations and let him show us how to bless others and bring God into their lives. If we are going to follow Jesus, then we are going to see his transforming power show up in our workplace and in our influence among those around us. "Follow me!" Jesus is asking you and me. Will we follow him ... especially at work and school?

Today's Prayer

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Dear Heavenly Father, give me the vision to see the opportunities you place before me to bless others and share your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Today's Verses in Context

At that time Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the place where John was. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. While Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw the sky open. The Holy Spirit came down to Jesus like a dove. A voice came from heaven and said: "You are my Son and I love you. I am very pleased with you." Then the Spirit sent Jesus into the desert alone. Jesus was in the desert 40 days. He was there with the wild animals. While Jesus was in the desert, he was tempted by Satan {(the devil).} Then angels came and helped Jesus. After this, John was put into prison. Jesus went into Galilee and told people the Good News from God. Jesus said, "The right time is now here. The kingdom of God is near. Change your hearts and lives and believe the Good News!" Jesus was walking by Lake Galilee. Jesus saw Simon and Simon's brother, Andrew. These two men were fishermen, and they were throwing a net into the lake to catch fish. Jesus said to them, "Come and follow me. I will make you {a different kind of} fishermen. You will work to gather people, {not fish}." So Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed Jesus. Jesus continued walking by Lake Galilee. He saw two more brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat, preparing their nets to catch fish. Their father Zebedee and the men that worked for him were in the boat with the brothers. When Jesus saw the brothers he told them to come. They left their father and followed Jesus.

— Mark 1:9-20 (ERV)

Easy-to-Read Version copyright © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center. All rights reserved.