2026 Epiphany Devotions
Saturday, January 24
Matthew 4:18-23
18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
“… 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. …”
When I felt God’s call to enter seminary in preparation for ordained ministry, I left a solid career in architecture. I had been anticipating returning to school to finish my degree and become registered in the profession. Because of God’s call, however, I never completed the degree nor continued in architecture, yet I was able to graduate seminary and serve as pastor in the church for over forty years. My plans were not God’s plans.
The same could probably be said of James and John. Their career path led them to follow their father as fishermen. While difficult and dangerous work, it was relatively secure and provided adequate income. They could have stayed on the boat, inherited their father’s business, and supported their families. Yet, Jesus chose them to be followers; and their lives took on a whole new dimension. Their plan was not God’s plan.
When God calls individuals to depart from one thing in order to fulfill another, the transition is not easy. While Matthew simplifies the story of the call of James and John, my guess is that the ensuing conversations and struggles persisted for some time. I know that it did for me. Still, because of the call of God, strength, courage, and peace provide the transitional keys. Our plans are often not God’s plans.
I wonder to what God is calling you? Is it to leave behind one thing in order to engage in another which better conforms to God’s will? Is it to stay where you are and discover new ways to serve? It is to drop everything, like James and John, and just follow? I wonder to what God is calling you?
Prayer: Lord God, your ways are not our ways. Open my heart and life to Your call to follow. Grant me the courage, the strength, and the peace to know and fulfill Your will with my life. Amen.