“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
– Matthew 4:18-20
Today, I want to tell you that when the disciples first followed Jesus, they didn’t start believing He was the Son of God the moment they were called. Rather, they began to learn that as they spent time with Him and found a sense of belonging with Him. They didn’t behave right away either. Look at Peter: he denied Christ three times. He and the other disciples made some terrible blunders and horrible mistakes, even while they were following Jesus. They belonged first, then they believed. They belonged first and then they behaved. This truth is at the core of what many call the upside down Kingdom. Friend, I want you to know that you belong. You are loved just as you are. There’s nothing you could change in your life that would make God love you more. Furthermore, God’s proud of you, and He’s on your side. |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for loving me, even in my doubt and unbelief. I receive your grace today.
Reflection
Do you trust that God loves you, even when don’t behave or believe?
