(Source from “The Word Among Us”)

They left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:20)

Can you imagine how exciting it was for Peter and his friends as they followed Jesus from town to town? Hearing him preach so often, seeing him perform so many miracles, watching people’s lives change so dramatically—no wonder they left their nets and became his disciples!

But what about those times when there were no crowds—when they were traveling between towns or on those days when Jesus took a break? What were those “in-between” days like?

They were probably even more exciting! Those were the days when the disciples had Jesus all to themselves. They could ask him questions about what he had taught the crowds. They could listen to him explain his parables, pray with him, and experience for themselves the new relationship with his heavenly Father that he had proclaimed. It’s possible that these were the days that really changed their lives.

Today is Sunday of the Word of God, a day when we celebrate the power and the grace contained in God’s word in Scripture. This is the word that the disciples heard day in and day out, and it can change us just as it changed them. It can comfort us, convict us, and lift our hearts to heaven. It can bring us to our knees in humble repentance, and it can lift us to our feet in joyful worship.

Do you want to experience God’s word coming to life in you? Then imitate the apostles. Spend time with Jesus and immerse yourself in his word. Ask him questions about what you read there, and listen prayerfully for his answers. It takes time, patience, and perseverance, but the reward is well worth the effort. Like the apostles, you’ll come to know Jesus personally as the One whose love lasts forever and whose mercy never ends!

“Come, Lord, and speak your words of life to me today!”