the 3rd sunday after epiphany
the PRAYER …
Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
the READING …
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
the DEVOTION …
Over the years, I’ve heard the words used in one of two ways. As invitation. And as command. Jesus says, “Follow me!” and we accept or we obey. Either way, what happens next is up to us. This week, though, I realized there’s a third way. One that doesn’t depend on us. There’s, also, creation! Jesus says, “Follow me” and the words go out and make a whole, new world! Nothing waits for us to respond. To accept or obey. We, simply, become. Like in Genesis! God says, “Let there be” and there is! Night doesn’t cooperate! Darkness doesn’t give its permission. Day just happens! “God says, ‘Let there be light’; and there’s light!” It’s pretty simple, actually!
So, what if discipleship is like that? Not an effort or an endeavor. Not an accomplishment or an achievement. But what if it’s a gift! Given by the Word himself! Abundantly! Generously! Just like the sun! And the moon! And the stars! In the beginning! What if Jesus, this week, says, “Follow me”; and we … just … follow …