ZEBEDEE

...he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat preparing their nets. Without delay, he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Mark 1:19 (NIV)

Years ago as a new believer in Jesus, it became my practice to pray on the way to work. One day, a word came to mind. Speaking the word aloud, there was a question in my voice, “Zebedee?”That word ran through my thoughts all day.

A friend explained to me that Zebedee was the father of two of the disciples of Jesus—James and John.

“Why did God whisper that name to me,” I asked.

Shaking her head and smiling she answered, “You’ll have to ask Him why He put that word on your mind and heart.”

A Concordance and a Bible study guide became my companions assisting in my Zebedee research. First, I learned that Zebedee was an uncle, by marriage, of Jesus.

The Lord tweaked my curiosity and ever since He has continued to send me on Bible quests.

How gracious of our Father in heaven to encourage and even tempt us to find out more about Him.

Over time, I learned several other interesting facts about Zebedee. The most recent discovery is that the name means “abundant portion.”

The Lord graciously continues to clarified to me over time that when His children study His word, ask for Holy Spirit guidance, and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, we can have life and have a more “ abundant portion.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the abundant life that you offer to those who believe and continually seek to know you.