My Bible studying process is a bit different than most people's. While fill-out-the-question worksheets are helpful from time to time, and searching passages from head to toe for applications often yields results, I've found that using traditional methods only engages me for so long before I check out and complete my checklist with only half a brain engaged.
So, a couple summers ago, I came up with my own method. Ever since then, I've been hand-copying books of the Bible every morning after studying the chapter the day before. It forces me to slow down and really pay attention to what I'm reading, which has provided me with a ton of insight I never would have gotten from following a typical worksheet.
Today, I want to share an example of something that stuck out to me as I was copying Mark 1 on Valentine's Day. I was copying a larger chunk than is here, but verses 16-20 especially stood out to me.
The Verses
Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
(All verses taken from the ESV)
My Thoughts
I've never really thought about this passage before. It was just a fun story. But something about it struck me this morning.
Mark makes frequent use of the word "immediately" all throughout Chapter 1, but starts to lay off in Chapters 2 and 3. For example, he uses it twice in just these five verses - once describing Simon and Andrew's response, and the other time describing Jesus' approach. (Mark 1:18, 20)
There was zero hesitation. Andrew, as a disciple of John the Baptist, had already seen his rabbi proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God, and had told his brother. He and Simon both knew who Jesus claimed to be, and Andrew, at least, believed.
They left everything behind in a split second.
Quick conversions aren't necessarily bad. Sometimes, when your spirit just knows something, that kind of action is the only fitting response. The Bible isn't unrealistic, though. We see that Peter (aka Simon) later struggled with doubt and, during Acts, hypocrisy.
We're told in Matthew that James and John had the same response: dropped everything like a hot skillet and followed the one who called them.
How long have you been ignoring his call, friend? How long have you waited to get all your ducks in a row - been waiting to "bury your father" per se? Maybe it's time to throw reason and caution to the wind and take a reckless dive off the cliff. If God is calling you over the edge, he'll catch you.
We are a people of action. Let's leave fear with the nets and follow him.
Your Turn
In what areas of your life have you been waiting to follow God's instructions? Where have you jumped in immediately and seen the results? Who is your favorite disciple?
Until next time,
Take courage, pursue God, and smile while you still have teeth!! ^_^
I love that study method! And yes, Christianity isn't just another faith, or another way to live one's life. It's all-encompassing, affects every aspect of your life, transforms your mind and soul, sometimes you're supposed to take that leap of faith. :)
Thank you for the reminder :D
Wow, AMEN. Those are such good insights!!! (And hand-copying books of the Bible is an amazing idea! Good for you! I can imagine it would really force you to stop and think about what you're reading, cause I know that whenever I see a verse that jumps out and I copy it in my journal, it sticks with me more and makes me think even deeper about it.)