WEEK 2 DAY 2
More Than a Decision
Devotional
Many of us approach our faith as if it were a one-time decision—a moment when we said yes to Jesus and secured our eternal destination. While that initial decision is vital, the Bible presents discipleship as an ongoing journey of following Jesus.
In Matthew 4, we see James and John immediately leaving their boat and their father to follow Jesus. This wasn't just an emotional response; it was the beginning of a transformative relationship. They would spend the next three years watching Jesus, listening to His teachings, and learning to do ministry His way.
True discipleship is active, not passive. It requires intentional engagement with Jesus and His ways. We follow Him by studying His Word, spending time in prayer, gathering with other believers, and putting His teachings into practice. Each step of obedience deepens our relationship with Him and shapes us more into His image.
This path of following isn't always easy. It often means turning away from our own desires and agendas—that's what repentance is. But as we continue to follow Jesus, we discover that His ways truly are better than ours. We find that the life He offers—a life of purpose, community, and eternal significance—far outweighs whatever we might leave behind.
Bible Verse
"Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." - Matthew 4:20-22
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been treating discipleship passively rather than actively engaging in following Jesus?
Quote
It's not just a decision to be a disciple... it's a path of following him in discipleship where we are equipped for the mission. And by the Mission for the mission.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I've reduced my relationship with You to a past decision rather than an active journey of following. Renew my commitment to follow Jesus daily, even when it's difficult. Help me to turn away from my own ways and embrace Yours. Amen.
Many of us approach our faith as if it were a one-time decision—a moment when we said yes to Jesus and secured our eternal destination. While that initial decision is vital, the Bible presents discipleship as an ongoing journey of following Jesus.
In Matthew 4, we see James and John immediately leaving their boat and their father to follow Jesus. This wasn't just an emotional response; it was the beginning of a transformative relationship. They would spend the next three years watching Jesus, listening to His teachings, and learning to do ministry His way.
True discipleship is active, not passive. It requires intentional engagement with Jesus and His ways. We follow Him by studying His Word, spending time in prayer, gathering with other believers, and putting His teachings into practice. Each step of obedience deepens our relationship with Him and shapes us more into His image.
This path of following isn't always easy. It often means turning away from our own desires and agendas—that's what repentance is. But as we continue to follow Jesus, we discover that His ways truly are better than ours. We find that the life He offers—a life of purpose, community, and eternal significance—far outweighs whatever we might leave behind.
Bible Verse
"Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him." - Matthew 4:20-22
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been treating discipleship passively rather than actively engaging in following Jesus?
Quote
It's not just a decision to be a disciple... it's a path of following him in discipleship where we are equipped for the mission. And by the Mission for the mission.
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I've reduced my relationship with You to a past decision rather than an active journey of following. Renew my commitment to follow Jesus daily, even when it's difficult. Help me to turn away from my own ways and embrace Yours. Amen.