Interruptions
September 4, 2007
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." 18At once they left their nets and followed him. 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. -Mark 1:16-20
Interruptions happen to all of us all the time. Can you estimate how many times a day you get interrupted from your current task? Interruptions take time. Even if it is just a minute of your time (which it never is), interruptions cause us to set aside what we are doing and put our energy and focus on something else. Usually interruptions dont feel very fruitful. They are often revered as unwelcomed disturbances hindering us from doing our task at hand, but there are those other times when interruptions turn into an unsuspecting gift.
As Jesus walked along the seashore of Galilee, he encountered two sets of brother who were tending to the task before them, mending their fishing nets. Out of the blue, Jesus interrupts their life as usual and calls them to a life bridled with mystery and promise. But first, they must leave their nets and not only that, but the only life they know. The text here leaves out all details of where these brothers are going and what their future holds. All we know is they will be fishers of people. Immediately they go; we hear little about their possible hesitation. I think that most of us are hesitant to change, especially when it involves not knowing all the details and requires us to put faith in anothers promise.
The challenge of discipleship is letting go of our own control and trusting that God will fulfill Gods promise. You might not have sand between your toes when God calls you as did these disciples, but be assured that God has already approached your sea shore and is waiting to see how you will respond to this interruption. Will you keep about business as usual or will you allow God to intervene and lead you into a life laddened with mystery, but based on the promise of God?
Prayer: Lord, remind me not to be too self- involved. Help me to recognize the interruptions you put in my life as a gift from you. May I be so bold as to follow you where you lead me. Amen.
For more information
Rev. Leigh Martin
College Chaplain
Hasty Student Life Center, Room 308
lsm@reinhardt.edu
O: 770.720.5634
F: 770.720.9105
