“Going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.”
Matthew 4:21-22 NIV
We can all recall the stories of Jesus calling His disciples.
Who doesn’t know the phrase “I will make you fishers of men”? These words were spoken to Peter and Andrew who were in the midst of casting their nets into the water.
“At once they left their nets and followed him,” Matthew 4:20 NIV.
We are amazed and praise the faith and courage of Jesus’ chosen 12.
We marvel at how they left their seemingly normal lives to follow this Man, the one we now call Jesus, the Christ, our Lord and Savior.
But have you ever thought about the families they left behind?
In our story here we see James & John just up and leave their father Zebedee, right in the middle of the workday too.
When I was younger, I had the pleasure of working with my father, in our family business. My sons would do the same as me.
I don’t know how he, or me later, would’ve reacted in similar circumstances. Would I feel abandoned, betrayed, surprised or something different? I think I would definitely be mad—maybe not even allow it. But the fathers in these stories not only allowed it, by their actions they supported it. Certainly the will of God is being carried out through their actions.
Surely thanks should be bestowed upon their fathers, and on all fathers, especially when we celebrate Father’s Day.
Can you recall a time when you left your father? Maybe it was off to school or a job far away. Perhaps the first time you left was to get married. Take some time to thank them, if you can, for their love & encouragement when you left them.
Maybe your circumstances weren’t positive. Maybe you were told or forced to leave. Maybe it wasn’t a choice. Perhaps you just didn’t get along, or even worse. Maybe it was a toxic or abusive relationship in some way.
Take time today to say a prayer, for healing, for understanding, for forgiveness. Jesus taught us in the “Sermon on the Mount” to love all—even those who may seem undeserving. He said, “I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 NIV
Let’s pray this Father’s Day for our own father.
Also pray for those who are separated from their fathers. Pray for those who are fatherless.
Let’s pray especially for those fathers that can’t be with their families on this day, our service men & women and others called away.
If your father is no longer with us, say a prayer of thanks for the memories. For all that he may have taught you, the wisdom bestowed, and the love given.
Always in Jesus’ name, Amen