A call to adventure

Jesus called four fishermen to take up an adventure for a journey that would become a story bigger than themselves. Fishermen are not highly educated or eloquent and many are probably introverts. They work hard in very difficult conditions where they have to face fierce waves and storms. They are persistent and patient, hardworking and action oriented. They never know what a new day is going to be like. They take chances everyday. They would not be detracted by a bad catch of the previous day, rather they put their hopes in the next day.

The ministry of Jesus requires opening our lives from an inward looking perspective to an outward looking vision. All of us have heard or will hear God's call to take up adventures like Abraham, Moses, David and many others. Dictionary meaning of the word adventure is 'taking up unkown risk'. It might be a chance to go somewhere, stand up for something or work in a place. In the parable of the laborers in the vinyard (Matthew 20), the landlord risks hiring people at the last hour. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), a businessman took the risk of making his servants partners by dividing his wealth his servants. God takes risks in giving us opportunities of life situations, families and blessings expecting us to take risks for the Kingdom.

God often calls us to chart unknown territory as we follow Him. Obeying His commands to forgive, to give away our treasures, or to give up things that provide security and pleasure often leave us in the scary territory of unknown outcomes. "To everyone who has taken risks will be given more, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away" (Matthew 25:29).

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Blessings

Mathew Philip

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