S. Matthew 4:19-22 (NIV) 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 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, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
O. The first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John) showed bold steps of faith. Jesus called them and Matthew writes that they left “at once” and “immediately.” I do not observe that they took their time in responding to Jesus. I don’t know what they had to do to get ready - Matthew uses those terms “immediately” and “at once” to describe the type of bold faith it takes to follow Jesus, so I don’t think they delberated about this. I don’t tink they flipped coins (no mention of casting lots). The simply left immediately and at once (from what I read).
A second observation is the disciples were quite young, possibly teens. They likely worked for their fathers. It is possible that they literally said “ok, dad, Jesus is calling, we are out of here.” Regardless, Matthew does highlight their bold faith.
A. I have had times when the Lord has called me and I made the decision “at once,” yet there was a season of preparation that needed to take place (attending bible college, licensing and ordination).. There have been other times that Lord has called me to act and I did just that Immediately” and “at once.” I do desire to be known for bold faith as I make every attempt to always follow Jesus “at once” and “immediately” when He calls.
P. Thank youi Lord for calling me. I pray you will continue to guide me and direct my steps (Prov. 3:5-6) and I will do all I can to always respond in bold faith - “immediately” and “at once” - In Jesus’ name!
