Count the cost

Mark 1:14-20

¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother, John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

As Christians we often say we want to be like Jesus. Reading about His life can give us some insight into what is important to Him.

This is where He starts His ministry. He has been proclaimed, baptised, tested and now He has returned from the wilderness ready to start! A few questions here might be helpful if we want to be like Him or be His true followers in the world.

What does He do that we should do? What does He ask from us? What is the cost or price to get into the Kingdom?

1. He proclaims the good news: when was the last time I told someone about my faith in a confident way? Is proclaiming something I incorporate into my Christian walk, or something I know I should do but never get the opportunity to? Don’t know how. Well I think if we follow Him, like He asks, He will teach us to be fishers of men. But more on that later.
2. He calls for repentance, belief and obedience: There’s that repentance again. Why is it so important? Because it reminds me of grace—that I’m not doing this on my own merits. After we repent and believe there is another stage: to follow. As Jesus starts collecting His disciples all he asks of them is to follow him.
3. Nothing and everything: To follow Jesus costs nothing in terms of money or goods. However, Andrew and Peter are called to leave their jobs and James and John are called to leave their jobs and their families. Ouch! Am I willing to put God first in my life? To follow His will in the big decisions?

I recognise where God has led me, especially in my career, when I have let Him lead.

Lord, help me to continue to trust you with the big things in life, especially the things that are weighing me down today! You have said that all things work together for the good of those who love you. Give me the strength to let go of myself and allow you to work in my life today.