Every PlaceSample

Respond to His Voice

Mark 1:16-18 – “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew 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.”

Reflection

What voices are you listening to? God’s or the world’s?

“Follow me.” These two words changed Simon and Andrew’s lives. As boys, they attended “The House of the Book,” memorising the Torah by age 12-13. Most students, including Simon and Andrew, then apprenticed in family trades. Only the best progressed to “The House of Learning” to memorise the Old Testament and potentially apprentice under a Rabbi (Teacher).

To follow a Rabbi, students had to request it. The Rabbi would test their knowledge, and only the best were chosen with the words “Follow me.” If rejected, they returned to their family trade.

Simon and Andrew, were fishing when Jesus called them, likely felt they had failed. Imagine the voices they carried: “You’re not good enough.” Yet, Jesus sought them out. Unlike other Rabbis, He chose His disciples, calling not the best by worldly standards but those the Father revealed to Him.

If I had been there, I might have questioned His choices: “Jesus, are You sure about these guys?” But Jesus has a way of seeing what others don’t. He saw fishermen and called them to become fishers of men.

Jesus flips the system, inviting the overlooked into His mission. He calls us to Himself first, into a deep, personal relationship. From that place of intimacy, He sends us out, never alone, but empowered by His Spirit.

Action Point

Identify the “nets” in your life—things holding you back from responding to the voice of Jesus. Take time to hear His voice today.

Prayer Point

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me. Help me to recognise and respond to Your voice. Deepen my relationship with You, and guide me as You send me out. Amen.