Jesus said, Follow me. I have often put myself in those fishing boats on the Sea of Galilee, my arms yanking in the nets, the bright sun in my eyes, What’s that you say? Who is that man? Is he talking to us? Were those men like me on that day I dropped my vacuum and put on my walking shoes? If it was so difficult for me to hear Him and go to the park for an hour, how did these men drop everything and leave their routine and their work and their old lives for good?
Jesus is still beckoning, make no mistake about it. He may not be walking by the river, but He is calling just the same. He bids me to walk out of each routine moment of my day and into His presence. For me, that does not look like disembarking from a sea vessel; no, more like leaving behind my own agenda, my needless worries and listening to His message.
When one disciple said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father,” Jesus answered, “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead.” Matthew 8:21-22 The first time I read this passage, I felt sentimental. Surely Jesus would entertain the man’s excuse and delay, but no, His words are a warning. If I’m not walking with Jesus, if I put other things before Him, I am walking away from Him to attend to my own agenda. My agenda, by definition, is not the work of His kingdom and all of it could also be done by those not of His kingdom.
Jesus upholds His disciples to do His work for His kingdom. I hear Him. I put on my walking shoes, and go.
And I will strengthen them in the LORD, And in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD. Zechariah 10:12
Meeting God at the Park 