Thursday's Thought for Sunday's Service

“Now when Jesus heard that John was arrested, he went to Galilee. He left Nazareth and settled in Capernaum, which lies alongside the sea in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what Isaiah the prophet said: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, alongside the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who lived in the dark have seen a great light, and a light has come upon those who lived in the region and in shadow of death. From that time Jesus began to announce, “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.” Right away, they left their nets and followed him. Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues. He announced the good news of the kingdom and healed every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:12–23, CEB)

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Get it done.
Act before forgetting.
Don’t let the moment pass.

Discipleship involves a willingness to step out in faith, without certainty… yet, urgency.  It’s a daily exercise.

“Change your hearts and lives!”
“’Come, follow me…”
“Right away, they left their nets and followed him.”

Standing at the brink, precipice of a decision, choice,
listening to the calling of a spiritual voice,
the prospect of moving forward has no guarantee.
It’s the conundrum, quandary of every nominee.

Daring to stretch your foot out and splash,
it may feel wet, uncomfortable… brash.
Yet, following through, with a forward momentum, motion,
is a good way to express deeds, discipline… devotion.

Pastor Rich Wagner

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Sunday, January 26, 2020           Third Sunday after the Epiphany
New Testament Reading             1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Gospel Reading:                            Matthew 4:12-23
Sermon:                                         “The Mixture of Movement and Mission”