Friday, September 17

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in to the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:14-20


We all have a comfort zone. We all have a place where we feel safe, in control – where life is at least somewhat predictable. And comfort zones are good! We all need a place where we can retreat and rest from the pace and stress of everyday life. That’s part of the reason God created the Sabbath principle – so that we can find our rest and refreshment in him!

But just as a La-Z-Boy is great for taking a nap or watching the game, but not so helpful for getting exercise; so also our comfort zones are good and necessary – but just aren’t very conducive to growth! Growth only happens when we leave the La-Z-Boy behind!

Notice that when Peter, Andrew, James and John decided to accept the invitation to follow Jesus – they also had to leave certain things behind. They all left their boats, their nets – and James and John left their father as well – in order to follow their Teacher. In a greater sense – they left their identities behind as well. Never again would they think of themselves as “just fishermen.” From that point on they would think of themselves as “followers of Jesus” first and foremost – and everything else – fishermen, sons, fathers, friends – became secondary.

Where does “follower of Jesus” fit in your definition of yourself? Do you tend, as I often do, to see your faith itself as a “comfort zone?” Do you keep Jesus in the “spiritual” compartment of your life – where he is safe and predictable - or do you allow him to lead all the compartments of your life and to call you out of your comfort zone to follow him?

Consider closing your time with God by considering whether or not you may have become somewhat “comfortable” in your faith. While it’s certainly not a bad thing to be comfortable with Jesus – he may want to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone in some way this fall. Are you ready to get out of the La-Z-Boy?

Brian Coffey