If you sit on your foot too long and then stand up, you might complain of paresthesia, or you might complain of “pins and needles.” You’d be complaining about the same thing, but in one case, you’d likely convey to those around you that you work in the medical field; in the other case, you’re just a person who sat too long while writing a devotion.
Words can be powerful. Not just what we say, but how we say it says more about us than we consciously consider. In today’s reading, Jesus uses Peter and Andrew’s language: “I will make you fish for people.” This—fishing—is their vocation, perhaps their passion, but certainly an integral part of who they are. Beyond what Jesus says (“come, follow me”), why is the way he says it significant?
“Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people.” Your passion will change; your purpose will be fulfilled. Your vocation before was only a foretaste of the most fulfilling work you’ll ever do. This work might not be where you make your money, but you’re storing up wealth in a greater kingdom.
Were Peter and Andrew unfulfilled—is that why they immediately followed? Were they simply so “caught” by Jesus’ words that they dropped their nets, no questions asked? If you’re reading that and thinking, That could never be me, I have too many questions, fear not. It’s not that these men had no questions or that their faith was somehow beyond questioning. We’ll see plenty of hesitation, doubts, and questions as time goes on (Matthew 14:31, Mark 8:32).
More than these disciples having a certain type of heart or personality, I think the powerful reality about “the call” is that, when Jesus himself calls, something in us shifts. Is it the way it was said, the words that were said, or is it who said it? Only Jesus could use language to calm a raging sea or speak to a fisherman’s heart—to speak words in such a way to take a human heart predisposed to questions and curiosities and still these things for the crucial moment of “yes.” It’s not a “yes” to changing your career, it’s not a “yes” to leaving your hometown, it’s not a “yes” to ending or starting relationships. Maybe those “yeses” are part of it. Maybe … but primarily, it’s a “yes” to him. A person. A way.
How do we invite people like this? Can we? Here’s the reality: The Holy Spirit lives in us (Galatians 4:6). The very Spirit of God—the very Spirit of Jesus. Allow him to speak through you, using someone else’s language, someone else’s passion, but always with the same heart: that of Jesus. The Jesus who meets us where we are, sees us as we are, and invites us not to abandon everything about ourselves, but to allow him to transform us to use our gifts, passions, vocations, and so much more for a kingdom that will last.
Reflection:
- How has Jesus spoken to you in your own language over time? Consider the timeline of your life—the passions you had as a kid, the passions you have now, the people you’ve met, the places you’ve lived. Can you see how Jesus might be using these things to invite you to follow him now?
- At Hope, we often say, “It’s no accident you’re here.” Today’s reading reminds us that God makes no accidents in shaping us throughout our lives. If you’ve been following him for a while, how might these passions, people, and places actually be part of how you can serve his kingdom?
- Consider the people in your life and take them to Jesus in conversation. They were not accidentally made either. How might he be inviting you to speak their language to invite them to “come and follow”?