This short well known nursery rhyme describes of how many think about their lives. They perceive themselves to be Humpty Dumpties. They have concluded or been convinced that their life is in total, absolute shambles and that there is no way it ever will be whole, have meaning, significance, or purpose.
Join this perception with the prevalent "victim mentality" of society, which takes the fact that our upbringing and life environment affects who and what we are, and people become more convinced change or freedom is hopeless. Many live believing that they can do no more than accept the irreversible, unchangeable path that life has thrown their way. You are who you are and do what you do and that's it.
Upon these sands of times Jesus comes walking along. Stopping, He looks into our eyes with power and compassion and says: "follow me and I will make you become..." (Mark 1:16-20)
We are startled at first. His words resound with re-creation and are filled with hope and possibility. His words speak of creating and making our lives a poem or a work of art. They denote both instant and process.
Jesus has come to us calling, inviting, commanding, "follow me and I will make you become." He is a Savior, a creator, a re-creator. He proclaims "good news to the poor; freedom for the prisoners; sight for the blind; release of the oppressed" (Luke 4:18) He can make us "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can be "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:10). In Christ our lives can be molded according to will of the Father; holy, complete, and in His own image.
As the fishermen whom Jesus first called with these words, we must answer His call in faith. Following Jesus begins with a specific moment in time when we drop our nets to follow. All that influenced and shaped our life is left behind. We are transformed in this moment. We are no longer the same. We are now "in Christ". We release all that made us what we are. We repent - turn around - so that Jesus is in front and all else in behind.
Following Jesus is a daily decision. Each day He calls, invites, and commands, "follow me and I will make you become." Each day we must place our lives in His creative molding hands allowing Him to continue the good work He has begun in us, so that He may bring it to completion on the His day.
Following Jesus is learning, applying, and living our lives according to His teachings and example. It is a full and total commitment to Christ and His Word. This is living faith and through this faith Jesus continues to transform and makes us into His own image.
Let us not be distracted or deceived. What is impossible with man is possible with God. Our lives can be a work of art to the glory of God. Listen! Jesus is calling, inviting, commanding, "follow me and I will make you become."
Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry