Straightway Discipleship: following the example of the original apostles
By Coach Tiffany Johnson
The swaying boat held the hardworking men as their calloused hands pulled the rough fibers of the nets. The sharp, pungent smell of fish and sea spray forever lingering on their clothes, hair and hands. They were heavy in the steady rhythm of laboring in a day’s work. Their families depended on it. Fishing was more than just a job, it was survival. It was what they knew how to do best. Their fathers had likely done it before them, teaching them along the way. And their children will most likely do it as well. It was a livelihood for a safe, predictable future. And they left it all when they heard something break through the noise of the waves. A voice called to them saying, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
As Jesus walked along the shoreline on the Sea of Galilee, he called out to Peter, Andrew, James and John, asking them to do what seemed to be impossible- leave your nets, your work, your livelihood and come with me. Dropping these nets that held their safety and predictability could have caused an internal battle between security and the unknown. Did they question this difficult choice? Did they try to negotiate, maybe finishing the day's work first? Did they say a slow yes and hesitated with their actions, stalling their commitment to the decision? No, none of these.
They followed “straightway”, dropping everything to follow immediately. This suggests they moved without hesitation, quickly, and even urgently. They walked forward with faith that everything will be alright. Putting their trust in the Lord, their God and Savior, Jesus Christ shows that discipleship comes first, even though the apostles didn’t yet fully understand what that would mean.
The Savior is calling “Follow me.” to the disciples of His time and still today. He calls to you and to me. We often don’t see the full picture when Christ invites us to act through promptings, service opportunities or callings. However, responding straightway, moving forward with trust and faith will open the doors to miracles. Service is often not planned, but if we wait until things are more convenient, we might miss the opportunity- to grow, to learn, to change. Can you imagine if these men chose not to act? History would be changed as we know it. We all have the agency to choose, just as they did. And by aligning with God’s will, miracles can happen. You don’t have to know how your story is going to unfold to believe that everything will be alright. It will all play out just the way it’s supposed to, with God on your side.
“Although it looks different today, the invitation is still the same. The Savior is calling “Follow me.” And there is power in answering immediately. ”
The apostles left their boats, and nets to follow the words of Jesus Christ. I wonder if today, I am dropping my own “nets” as quickly as they did. Do I hesitate responding to the quiet invitations from God because I’m tangled up into my own safety comforts? Although it looks different today, the invitation is still the same. The Savior is calling “Follow me.” And there is power in answering immediately. This will only be discovered by walking forward with faith. Join me in accepting Christ’s invitation. I promise the sacrifices you make will be nothing compared to what God gives back. Your efforts will be magnified as you drop your ‘nets’ and choose to accept the invitation of the Savior calling “Follow me.”