As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two bothers, 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. 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, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22.

In the spirit of transparency, this passage has the potential to make me feel wholly inadequate. Jesus asked Peter and Andrew to follow Him and they did so. No arguments, no questions. They simply followed him. We read a little further and encounter James and John, another set of fishermen Jesus calls to follow Him. Seemingly without hesitation, they comply. They leave their boat and simply follow Jesus.

I think back on all the promptings God has laid on my heart. My response has seldom been as swift and agreeable as these four men. I wonder just how many times I’ve hesitated or simply refused to follow His calling. My reality lies in stark contrast to these fishermen who listened well THE FIRST TIME Jesus instructed them.

I mulled over what these four possessed to allow them to so willingly follow Christ. And to follow him immediately! Were they more obedient? Perhaps. Were they more Godly in character? Maybe. Did having Jesus make his request as flesh and blood stir their heart in a different way? Likely.

But something else caught my attention. They were brothers.

Two sets of brothers setting up nets to fish. Pairs of men doing work in unity and alignment. Perhaps their ability to follow Christ immediately was not only because their hearts were tender but also because they had a brother in Christ (and in this case a literal brother) to accompany them.

I don’t know about you but I’m always more confident to take up a new adventure when someone I trust is alongside me.

This passage reminds me just how important it is to have close friends who love Jesus. Whether blood relatives or brothers and sisters in Christ, we provide ourselves a strong support when we link arms and live daily with others who follow Jesus. When frustrated and apt to make an unwise decision, it is much easier to cast off a worldly gut reaction when a ‘sister’ reminds me Who I follow. In turn, when I am faced with a new opportunity that seems scary at first glance, I am always less hesitant when another Christian is walking with me.

Challenge- Do you have a close friend guiding you in Godly wisdom? Someone you trust to help you navigate daily life and point you towards Jesus? If not, seek out a small group, Bible study or simply one Christian friend who can be your fellow fisherman. Even with our current social distancing restrictions, there are a variety of online options for fellowship.

Lord, thank you for the people You place in our life to draw us nearer to You. Help us seek out friends who will keep us in alignment with Your will. Please help us to be that type of friend to others.