DON'T BE KEITH

Don’t Be Keith

Mark Chapter 1 verses 16-20

                                As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They, too, were in a boat mending their nets. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

                A few weeks ago, I had a bizarre morning, to say the least. On the way over to see my dad in the hospital, I tried to sync my YouTube music app on my phone to my truck. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t work even though I have been able to do that successfully a hundred times before. I tried the radio after giving up on my app, but it wouldn’t work either. It seemed I was destined to be stuck with silence, which bothered me. I wanted to listen to my Rolling Stones, and I wanted to listen to them now. So while I was cussing and fussing, trying to decipher the problem, I heard it. Just like the still small voice Elijah heard on the mountain.

                “Hey, you big dummy, I want to spend some time with you. Stop messing around with the phone and radio. How about you and I talk for a bit? It’s been awhile.”

                I have no idea how a perfect God can put up with such an imperfect person like me. Duh.

                In today’s reading, Jesus told Simon, Andrew, James, and John to just follow Him, and they dropped everything to do just that. They stopped fishing and mending their nets because they recognized the calling of the master and off they went to the next chapter of their lives. Following the messiah that generations before them had foretold.

                Three of the four would follow Him to the death as martyrs, but all four were smart enough to stop what they were doing, listen and answer the call. And here I was sitting in my truck, angry about the prospect of having to drive a few miles with no music.    

                See Keith? Don’t be Keith. Be aware of the times God wants your attention. Be open to the spirit and see past your current situation so He can spend a little time with you.

                Sync up to Jesus.

HOLD FAST

Keith Thompson