As I was reading my daily devotional scripture this morning (Mat 4:19-22), verse 19 really struck me as something far deeper than I ever realized before.   The verse is an account of Jesus asking James and John, both sons of Zebedee to simply follow him and I will make you fishers of men.   Both James and John were commercial fishermen by trade, so Jesus asked them to put off their commercial ambitions of fishing for actual fish, and instead to fish for men or souls to lead into the kingdom of God.   

This verse is quite popular in most church settings, and I remember this particular passage of scripture being taught in Sunday School classes which for me was over 40 years ago.   What struck me this morning was simply the term follow me.   I think most Christian based teaching use this particular verse, and others like it, that we should follow Christ in terms of Salvation from our sins.   While that is certainly the first step of Christianity, what is so often left out, is simply what happens after you commit your life to Christ.   In other words, how do you live for him on a daily basis.   

Surely many would say that we should pray, read the Bible, study the Bible, go to church, etc.   And those activities are certainly something we should do on a daily and weekly basis.   But is there more to it?   Verse 19 as stated has the words "...follow me".   What better way to grow as a Christian than to follow the example of Jesus while He was on this Earth.   What did He do that separated Him, from everyone else?   What was His routines?   How did He interact with people?    To me this verse is much more than simply becoming a Christian, but also how we need to conduct ourselves on a daily basis on growing our relationship with Him and build our faith.

As I type this out, it has dawned on me that life seems to get in the way of most our commitments to Jesus.   The busyness of life, the daily grind, work schedules, meetings, ball games, just seem to hinder a deep dive into all things Jesus on the daily.   While it might seem practical to slow down and breath every so often, clearing schedules and commitments is not the easiest thing to do.   So, what should we do?   

To live as Jesus did, one must slow down first and foremost.   Jesus was never in a hurry!   Even when people came to Him requesting, He come and heal sick and dying loved ones, Jesus never just ran to where these individuals were.   He took His time going from place to place, making sure He was present in the moment and ready to heal and help anyone that needed Him.   That speaks volumes to me as I continue to try to fit one more thing into my already crammed schedule for the day or week.   To be more Christ-like, I really need to slow down and be present, not worried about the next meeting or next day or the drive home or how on Earth I'm going to get this work meeting agenda done.   Simply put, I need to just be present int he moment and enjoy my presence with Jesus.   Easier said than done, but doable if I really work on it!  

Jesus prayed ALOT!   I don't pray much in all honesty.   Oh, I pray when I'm desperate, and I think most people do, but I don't have a daily prayer routine so to speak.  Many times, we read that after a long day of ministering and healing, Jesus would not go to bed, He would go someplace quiet and pray.   He would talk to his Father (God) for hours or even days.   There's got to be something to that, because if it worked for Him and He wants us to follow Him, then it can work for us as well!    So the question then comes as when do I have time to actually pray?   Shower?   Driving to work?   Walking into work?  Sitting in the bleachers during the game?   Yeah, I can pray then.   Beats yelling at the umpire or listening to some parents berate their child or the kid that missed the ball or the driver that just cut me off!   Yeah, I've got time to pray.   All I have to do is slow down my mind and remember to do it.   Again, easier said than done, but doable. 

Finally, Jesus rested at some of the strangest times ever!   He was asleep during a likely hurricane type storm on the Sea of Galilee.   He would also go away and rest and pray all night or in the early morning.   Ugh!  This is what I really need more than anything.   REST!   SLEEP!   But I don't think Jesus really slept as much as he mediated and prayed and simply got away from things.   Back then it was called the Sabbath, a whole day of rest and worship!   No cell phones, Facebook, texting, meeting prep, kid issues, spouse issues, honey to do lists, mowing the yard.   Nope none of that.   Just rest and worship.     The New Testament covenant proclaims that Jesus is our Sabbath rest and all that can be found in Him.  Matthew 12:8 explains that.   But still, I need to rest in Christ a whole lot more than I do.   Matthew 11:28-30 states that we are to "take His yoke upon us for it is easy and His burden is light".   Resting in Him.   I really like that.   This has also got to be a goal for me moving forward.  

Sure, I need to go to church at least weekly for community with like-minded people.   I definitely can read and study my Bible as that's how I gain insight in my relationship with Christ.   But to go deeper I have to follow Him.   Not just in salvation, but in my lifestyle.  I need to slow down and be more present in my moments with Him.   I need to pray and talk to Him a whole lot more.   Not beg for things to go my way, but simply to talk.   Have a conversation with Him about my day, the sunshine, my insecurities, my awkwardness.   Just anything and everything.   And finally, I need to REST!   Not just sleep more, though that would be nice, but to give Him my issues and talk things out with Him.   Not concern myself with results but build my trust in Him.   He orders our steps, and He cares for us and meets our every need anyway, so why worry so much about Him not coming through?  

I needed this reminder today.   I'm thankful that little, small verses such as Matthew 4:19 can spark a conversation with the Lord in prayer and leads to a complete lifestyle reversal.