I’m preaching on Mark 1:14-20 this coming Sunday (Jan 28, 2007). Its the daily Bible Reading scheduled for January 23. I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you in this passage. I suggest keeping your comments brief and clear, and I will try to return the favour on Sunday. Click on 
Comments to leave your thoughts.
Pastor Norm
John had indeed prepared the way for Jesus, and John’s ministry had come to an end (now in prison). This event appears to be a critical point after which Jesus went into high gear ,preaching the good news of God. He gives a simple command to “Repent and believe.” He mentions “the good news” twice and that “the kingdom of God is near”. To me this means to confess and have faith. Something wonderful is about to happen -a time will soon come when man will have victory over the darkness through the resurrection of Jesus. Soon Jesus calls two sets of brothers Simon and Andrew; and James and John. All were fishermen which seems very appropriate. Fishermen must be very patient, strong and resilent to all kinds of weather and they have strong faith that eventually they will make “the catch”. Neither sets of brothers hesitated when called. They left “at once” and “without delay”, they really listened with their hearts. God promises even if we have to leave our family (“left their father Zebedee”) he will bless us. They were also commoners, everyday hard working men. God’s good news is for all people.
Lord ,thank you for the inspiration through this passage. If we are willing to truly follow you we need to go into action “without delay”. We can do so much even where you have planted us. Help me to step out more in faith and trust and obey you. I am sorry for opportunities that have been lost because I did not listen better with my heart and hesitated. I am so thankful for the gift of the Holy Spirit which the fishermen did not even have when they first went to follow you.
Discipleship means following the Way. The Word came to Jonah and he went as far as he could from the Word of God. Jsus Christ is the Word made flesh. He called and those who had ears to hear, left everything and followed Him. It does not speak of hesitation. It was immediate. They left all and followed their Master, not knowing what would lie in the days ahead.
We are His disciples. We too need to give our all to Jesus. We are in the world and not of the world. We belong to Jesus. He is our all in all. That must be evident in what we say and do. Can others see Christ in me? How do I come across as His servant, His disciple, His follower. What is my anchor in life?
Lord help me to hear Your Word every day, and continue to work through me by Your Spirit so that I continue to walk on my journey of joy in Your Light.