What Happens When We Follow Jesus?

As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)

Following Jesus will change your priorities because we are now a part of His mission plan.  As Jesus called each one of His disciples there was only one thing they knew for sure...they were going to follow Jesus.  There was no course syllabus, there were no identifiable outcomes, and there was no “double-your-money-back guarantee.”  All they knew was they trusted Him and were willing to go where He lead.  How simple is that.

Peter, Andrew, James and John were by vocation fishermen.  The day Jesus came calling they were busy with the ordinary things that kept them in business…casting or caring for their nets. It was what they were comfortable with. I doubt they ever dreamed of leaving the family business.  But when Jesus came calling to be the leader of their lives, all of a sudden their business was not as important. They dropped their nets and followed.

So, when we follow Jesus, where does He lead us?  He leads us to people...
Mark 1:23 there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit;
Mark 1:30 Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.
Mark 1:34a And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons;

When we follow Jesus He leads us not to another place but to a another person.  Jesus says I will make you...I will cause you...to become fishers of men. 

Christ will lead us out of our comfort zones into new areas of ministry in the body of Christ. Jesus "yearned" to touch people. He was passionately consumed with the needs of others and He leads whoever follows Him to also "yearn" to reach out to people in their plights.

Jesus leads those who follow Him to touch the lives of people.  These first followers were led immediately to begin confronting and meeting needs of others. If we fail to make people the business of Jesus we fail to follow our Leader. Being in the way with Jesus always leads to people. Jesus also leads us to people who will pray, learn and serve alongside us.  What would have brought a tax-collector, some fishermen, and others of the twelve together had it not been for Jesus?  Look at our congregation.  Educators, bankers, accountants, law enforcement, small business owners, corporate executives, ranchers, aerospace engineers, city employees, homemakers, horse breeders, etc.  Why would we meet together if it was not for Jesus?

The promise of God to be with us when we go and to speak through us when we speak is all that is required for boldness.  Many an individual who thought they could never speak in public teach the Word of God today with boldness.  Many who felt they could not face people who were sick are praying and counseling cancer patients.  Many who thought missions was for missionaries are today on mission for Christ.  Jesus as the Leader of our lives has a distinct purpose to it…"I will make you become fishers of men." 

Scripture to Claim

Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.  Matthew 4:22

Silvanus Part II

Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! (1 Peter 5:12)

It is easy to read over the names mentioned in the Bible while we search for spiritual truths, physical facts or theological information and fail to recognize the significance of a specific individual.  Peter closes his letter with "Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him)."

The mention of this name seems so very insignificant. No book is named after him and no real attention is afforded him as is others.  Yet, here is a very significant statement by Peter regarding a man who he expects the readers will know.  He must have been a powerful and influential man to these believers. 

Sometimes we forget that churches are not made up primarily of the vocal few but the quiet and effective faithful.  This is who Silvanus represents.  Powerful churches are not the product of powerful preachers and staff members.  They are what they are because of those who Elton Trueblood calls the “company of the committed.”  Laypersons who are responsible to carry out their calling as a part of the body of Christ.

We know this man better by the name of "Silas".  Though not an apostle or disciple he was a special part of the formation of the early church.  We best remember him for what is told in Acts 15-16.  Silvanus (Silas) was chosen by the early church to fill the gap left by Barnabas and go with Paul as he followed the call to Macedonia. He was a layman willing to go when called on.

Being a Roman citizen and a man of reputation and education, his influence with the Romans was important to the spread of the Gospel.  He was a man bold in his faith and was beaten, arrested and thrown in jail for preaching.  Willing to suffer for his faith, he exampled the commitment of believers in the early church. 

Acts 15: 22 speaks of this layman as one of the "leading men among the brethren."  He was regarded with respect among his brothers; a leader in service and example.  He was willing to go as well as send... to do as well as pray.  As a matter of fact, he was evidently a pretty good preacher (although scripture says he was a bit long-winded).  Silvanus (Silas) was able to proclaim the gospel with conviction though he is not known as a pastor.

So who was Silvanus?  He was a good church member; a lay missionary, preacher, evangelist, writer and beloved friend Paul and Peter.  He was content to be only a name, content to take second place, and content to serve in the background so long as God's work was done.  It is men like this who make preachers look good.

Peter speaks with additional authority when he says, "through Silvanus".  Any preacher or pastor has those for whom can fondly say, "faithful brother for so I regard him."  On such the church is built.

Today, let’s all take time to thank God for those who serve our Lord His church faithfully and diligently.

Scripture to Claim

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5)

The “Silvani”

Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! (1 Peter 5:12)

It is easy to read over the names mentioned in the Bible while we search for spiritual truths, physical facts or theological information and fail to recognize the significance of a specific individual.  Peter closes his letter with "Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him)."

The mention of this name seems so very insignificant. No book is named after him and no real attention is afforded him as is others.  Yet, here is a very significant statement by Peter regarding a man who he expects the readers will know.  He must have been a powerful and influential man to these believers. 

Sometimes we forget that churches are not made up primarily of the vocal few but the quiet and effective faithful.  This is who Silvanus represents.  Powerful churches are not the product of powerful preachers and staff members.  They are what they are because of those who Elton Trueblood calls the “company of the committed.”  Laypersons who are responsible to carry out their calling as a part of the body of Christ.

We know this man better by the name of "Silas".  Though not an apostle or disciple he was a special part of the formation of the early church.  We best remember him for what is told in Acts 15-16.  Silvanus (Silas) was chosen by the early church to fill the gap left by Barnabas and go with Paul as he followed the call to Macedonia. He was a layman willing to go when called on.

Being a Roman citizen and a man of reputation and education, his influence with the Romans was important to the spread of the Gospel.  He was a man bold in his faith and was beaten, arrested and thrown in jail for preaching.  Willing to suffer for his faith, he exampled the commitment of believers in the early church. 

Acts 15: 22 speaks of this layman as one of the "leading men among the brethren."  He was regarded with respect among his brothers; a leader in service and example.  He was willing to go as well as send... to do as well as pray.  As a matter of fact, he was evidently a pretty good preacher (although scripture says he was a bit long-winded).  Silvanus (Silas) was able to proclaim the gospel with conviction though he is not known as a pastor.

So who was Silvanus?  He was a good church member; a lay missionary, preacher, evangelist, writer and beloved friend Paul and Peter.  He was content to be only a name, content to take second place, and content to serve in the background so long as God's work was done.  It is men like this who make preachers look good.

Peter speaks with additional authority when he says, "through Silvanus".  Any preacher or pastor has those for whom can fondly say, "faithful brother for so I regard him."  On such the church is built.

Today, let’s all take time to thank God for those who serve our Lord His church faithfully and diligently.

Scripture to Claim

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5)