While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-20)

It seems like Jesus often uses the imperative mood—speaking in commands, not suggestions. “Follow me” is one example, with the striking and immediate obedience of Simon and Andrew. There are plenty of other imperatives Jesus speaks to those around him.

Repent.
Beware.
Believe.
Rejoice.
Lay up treasures.
Ask, seek, knock.
Deny yourself.
Forgive.
Serve.
Love.

Jesus is really direct when we are not. He has the advantage of being the all-knowing, all-loving God. I’m not always comfortable with being so direct. That is probably a good thing. If I had been talking to the woman at the well, I would not have known about her personal history with husbands. Of course, I probably would not have bothered to speak to her at all.

So sometimes I am more subtle than Jesus. When nervous we, or I at least, tend to add words or overthink.

This brings to mind when a friend of mine asked to meet. It was urgent. I rearranged some things, and we met that day.

“What’s up?” I asked.

He explained his dilemma. A ministry project he had been working on was at an impasse. The project was to be finished in another country, but money was needed this very week, or it would mean a delay of months before the project would be complete.

Oh no. I had been praying with him about this project for over a year.

“Do you have any ideas of who might be able to help?” He asked me. I used a lot of words to say "I don't know." We parted and I said I’d give the problem some thought. I wracked my brain. I thought of foundations I knew, or friends with what seemed like obvious means to cover the cost. It wasn't as much as I thought it might be, but needed to be covered immediately. The turnaround was so fast.

This was complicated. I mentally went over and over the list, something started to happen. Then God brought just the right person to mind to supply this immediate need: me and Lorraine.

I know that’s not why he asked me, but we love this man and his family, the project, and we even love the overseas company he was working with. I started to get excited, happy. Lorraine and I talked about it and we both agreed. God’s gentle imperative was “give.” I went online and gave the gift.

Wow. Thank you, Jesus, for making this possible in the most obvious and direct way.

Sometimes Jesus doesn’t tell a person what to do, but he observes what they have already done.

The widow who gave the shekels. Surely, she generally went unnoticed by most everyone but Jesus. The sound of the rattle of the coin falling down the offering box and she went on her way. She probably relied on the help of others just to survive and still she managed to give.

This was not a metaphor or a parable. She was a real woman. Would the financial advisers of her time have told her that this was a good move? Surely not. She lived behind the scenes. No one noticed except Jesus.

Jesus praised her.

“Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43b-44)

In another moment, Jesus, crushed by the people all around him, singled out the touch of a lone person. Again, behind-the-scenes.

And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (Luke 8:45-48)

There is a different kind of economy going on here from what is standard in the modern world. Fishermen leaving behind the livelihood of their nets. A widow giving everything she has to live on. A chronically sick person touching the cloak Jesus wore, believing that just that simple touch would be enough.

So, when I look at today, I have to wonder.

When I look at my financial accounts, I have to ask.

When I think about my calendar and my busy life, I pause.

When I consider the words I say, I take a breath.

What is Jesus saying? What can I say to him? What can I say to others about him?

What is Jesus saying about my nets and my money and my time, my work, my leisure and my day? Why are there so many “my”s in that question? How do I turn “my” into “his”?

What nets do I need to leave behind? How can I give more? How can I better touch his cloak?

Am I even listening to his voice today?

Jesus, help me hear your simple imperatives for this day.