Saturday, January 14, 2017

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Mark 1:14–20
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. (NRSV)

Reflection
There is an old Chinese proverb that I love: “Leap and the net will appear.” It makes me think of this passage as Simon, Andrew, James, and John all followed Jesus, only knowing “I will send you out to fish for people.” They took their “leap” in Jesus. 

Since graduating college and working for almost ten years now, I have come to appreciate the saying “Find something you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” I am fortunate to love what I do in working at Fourth Presbyterian Church as Director of the Center for Life and Learning. I can say that I feel called to be in this role for this period of my life. The road to finding my divine and inherent God-given gifts was never easy. It took me two years of temp work, unpaid internships, and volunteer work to come to where I am, but all of that work prepared me for the work I am doing now. Doing work that feels inherent to the gifts I have been blessed with has helped me see how God does call us all to be disciples of his great work. 

If we can hear our call just as Simon, Andrew, James, and John and take that “leap,” I truly believe our divine purpose for our life will be shown to us. The hard part is hearing that call and being open to whatever ambiguity lies ahead. Once we take that leap though, God promises us that God will provide daily; we just need to take the chance and put our trust in Christ. 

Prayer
Lord, you have created each of us with unique, divine gifts, fitting together in a way that beautifies your love and your great story. Help me continually be reminded of those gifts and how they can be used to execute your great plan. Amen. 

Written by Ashley Elskus, Director, Center for Life and Learning

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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