Feb 21: Insight Post by David Schleyer
Weekly Reading: Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
Friday Reflection
Following Jesus Requires Immediate Action: When called by Jesus, Peter, Andrew, James, and John immediately left their nets and followed Him. True discipleship means responding without hesitation, knowing that the call of Jesus takes precedence over everything.
Friday Verse
I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Psalm 119:60 (NLT)
Friday Questions
Is there something Jesus is calling me to do that I’ve been delaying? How can I take immediate action in obedience to His call?
Friday Insight Post
by David Schleyer
For me, the calling of Peter, Andrew, James, and John is one of the most remarkable stories in the Gospels. These four fishermen were in the middle of their daily work when Jesus approached them and said, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19, NLT). Without hesitation, they left everything—boats, nets, even their families—and followed Him immediately (Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11).
Their response challenges me today: when Jesus calls, do I follow without delay, or do I hesitate?
For Peter and Andrew, it was an ordinary day of casting their nets when Jesus walked by. For James and John, they were repairing their nets alongside their father. Yet, when Jesus called them, they didn’t stop to weigh their options, create a plan, or ask for more time—they simply went. Their immediate obedience reminds us that following Jesus isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment but responding right now.
Too often, I convince myself that I need more time to prepare before stepping into obedience. But when Jesus calls, He equips. The disciples weren’t seasoned preachers or leaders; they were fishermen. Yet Jesus saw more in them than they saw in themselves. He sees more in us, too.
There was a time in my life when I felt Jesus calling me to step into a new role—one that required trust and courage. I knew in my heart that He was leading me, yet I hesitated. I made excuses: I need more time. I’m not ready. What if I fail?
But the longer I delayed, the more I felt unsettled. Over time, I realized that delayed obedience is really disobedience. I finally took the step, and what I found was not only God’s faithfulness but also a deeper joy and purpose than I had imagined.
Just like Peter, Andrew, James, and John, we are invited to drop our nets—the distractions, the fears, the excuses—and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The reward of obedience is always greater than the comfort of hesitation.
David Schleyer
Elementary Small Group Leader
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org