Thursday February 24, 2022

Today is Thursday, February 24 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about leaving the past behind.

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Thursday, February 24, 2022
Praying the Scriptures
Today is Thursday, February 24 and this week we are exploring what the Bible says about leaving the past behind.

As I begin this new day with prayer, I seek God’s presence. I breathe deeply and slowly and focus my whole being upon the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, thank you for loving me. I cherish reminders of your presence throughout my day. Teach me to open my heart and mind to receive the message you have for me. I am learning to listen for your still small voice speaking to my soul. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s steadfast love and abiding presence with the words of Psalm 139.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

Pause and Pray

The Sea of Galilee is a body of freshwater in the northern region of Israel. It is eight miles at its widest point and thirty-two miles around, and known for the prevalence of sudden storms and rough waters. The shores of Galilee enjoyed an extensive fishing industry during New Testament times. The shoreline is the location Jesus finds four of his disciples – all fishermen – Peter, Andrew, James and John. These two pairs of brothers owned the necessary equipment (nets and boats) to dedicate themselves to this type of labor – fishing was their livelihood. The Son of God enlists ordinary people to be his followers. These are hearty working men going about their business, laboring on an ordinary day like any other.

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. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. 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, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22

When the fishermen hear Jesus’ invitation, they drop what they are doing. They immediately turn their backs on everything and follow this itinerant preacher. They leave it all behind on the shoreline – their boats, their nets, the day’s catch, their livelihood, their ability to earn a living, their friends, their home, their family, everything they have known up to this point. James and John even leave their father Zebedee behind in the boat. They let go of their past. Without hesitation they give up their former way of life, employment, career, industry, family, hometown, and friends. What do I need to turn away from to follow Jesus? Perhaps I need to turn away from prior loyalties, places I formerly put my confidence, people I used to trust. Maybe I need to reject the idols I make for myself, the things of this world, petty selfishness and self-indulgences. Perhaps I need to leave behind status, success, ambition and pride; worries, cares and concerns; bad habits and worse attitudes. Maybe I need to leave fear behind. I need to toss some things on the shoreline and walk away. Like empty nets and idle boats, I let some things go, set some things down and leave it to wash with the tide.

Ask: What do I need to leave “on the shoreline” to follow Jesus more closely? What did I once value and chase after that I later realized is worthless?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior, I know you see me as I go about my daily tasks, performing my duties, accomplishing my work. I hear your call on my life to follow you. Forgive me when I am reluctant to set down things I deem important. Help me respond as quickly and faithfully as the disciples and leave behind whatever is necessary to follow you well. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

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. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. 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, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God is always speaking, leading and guiding me into the good future he has for me. I am learning to listen with the ears of my heart. I consider the image this passage evokes for me, where am I on the shoreline? I ponder the word or phrase that stands out to me and record it in my journal and repeat it aloud, keeping in mind God may speak to me later throughout my day. Peter, Andrew, James and John left valuable items on the shoreline and turned to follow Jesus. Perhaps God wants to reveal something I have refused to relinquish on my path to discipleship. I consider what difference it will make in my life if I am willing to set this thing down for good. Truly letting go will enable me to move forward into the future God has for me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Savior, you invited your disciples to “come, follow me.” Open my eyes to see you in my everyday life, open my ears to hear the words you speak, open my mind to gain understanding. Open my heart to love you and others more. Help me learn, grow and mature as your disciple. I let go and trust you. Amen.

Peter began to say to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age—houses, brothers and sisters, mothers and children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:28-30

I leave this time of prayer eager to follow Jesus, going into the world to shine his light and share his love.

Amen.