By the Sea

It's very early Sunday morning and I'm sitting on our deck watching the birds at the feeder, a chipmunk, and a bunny or two in the yard. I began thinking about Jesus and how he must have been a great observer of nature - his Father's creation. 

I pictured him sitting by the Sea of Galilee watching the water at the shoreline and at the horizon. He must have been observing the fishermen who were nearby, so intent on mending their nets with great skill, working side by side. Were these men talking together about their day, their plans, about fishing? 

Jesus saw them along with their father, working with him. Was Jesus attracted by what he saw? Their skill? Their focus on the job they were doing? Amiably working together? He went up to them and said, "Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

What was it about Jesus that would cause them to leave their life's work to follow him? Where was he going? Where would it take them? Was it the glint in his eye? His bearing of authority? Was it a glance from him that pierced their hearts? Whatever it was, they were drawn to him, became his followers, and their lives were forever changed.