The Marks of Love

By: Kari Vo
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March 17, 2022

"Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.' And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed Him." (Mark 1:16-20 ESV)

Jesus is no fool. He has maybe three years to get the word to as many people as possible about the forgiveness and life God is offering to anybody who will take it. Jesus knows the cross is coming, and He wants to use His time wisely. So He looks for help—people who can help Him get the word out.

And look who He finds! Four fishermen, hard at work. They're doing an important job, but Jesus has an even more urgent one. "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!" (Mark 1:17 ESV) And they leave it all behind—jobs, nets, family—and go after Him.

I doubt any of them had a clue what the next few years would look like. What would they do, where would they live, how would their lives end up? They didn't know. But they would have Jesus—and Jesus would have them. That was enough to get started with.

It's enough for us, too, isn't it? We have no guarantee what's coming to us in our lives—next year, next month, or even tomorrow. But we have Jesus—and Jesus has us. That is all the safety we need—that we are in the hands of the One who died and rose again for our sakes.

Prayer: Lord, keep me with You, and show me the way You have for me to walk. Amen.

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo
Lutheran Hour Ministries

Reflection Questions:
* Has your life ever taken an unexpected turn?
* When you are nervous or afraid, what do you do?
* How has Jesus helped you when you worry about the future?

Announcements

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