Matthew 4; Exodus 25; Exodus 26; Exodus 27; Proverbs 12

“And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” (Matthew 4:18-19 NKJV)

Sometimes God is specific in His call and directions. The reading in Exodus is full of very explicit details as to how the Hebrews were to build the tabernacle to be used to worship God. The curtains were to be made of specific colored thread, they were to be a certain size, and so many on one side and a different number on the other side. Let’s face it, you probably skimmed through a lot of those verses in Exodus 25-27, didn’t you? We want to know God’s plan, but we don’t like reading details, though. The problem is that most of our dealings with God don’t have many details. Jesus called Simon and Andrews and gave them an opportunity: if they followed Him, He’d make them fishers of men. After all these years, we may think we know what that means, but I can’t help but wonder if Simon (Peter) and Andrew had any idea what Jesus meant. Over the next few years, they figured it out. Their call to follow wasn’t detailed but it changed their life. Jesus calls us today as well. We don’t get many details – just a call to follow. Sometimes that call builds on our occupation, sometimes that call entails a change of occupation, but in all cases, it’s a call that changes our lives as we work out the details of what God wants from us.

What does God want from me? Have you ever asked that question? If you haven’t, I’d be surprised. I ask that question a bunch. I never get a detailed response, though. I’m not sure if I’d really listen if God gave me a detailed itinerary for a day, let alone the rest of my life. What He does tell me to do is love Him and love His people. I try to do that every day. What other details do I need?

Lord, remind me that You give me the big picture and then walk with me in the details. Help me to do a better job of loving You and loving Your people.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.