“Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him.” – Mark 1:16-18
“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked by and said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.” – John 1:35-37
“And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. The names of the twelve apostles are these…” – Matthew 10:1,2
When Jesus decided who would be His A-Team in assisting Him with His ministry to the known world, He made some surprising choices. We are very familiar with this ragtag band of misfits that Jesus considered His closest friends. They were fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, Judean accountants, and Galileans, men, women…those with good reputations and those “not so good”.
If there was one thing they all had in common…it was that they had nothing in common. They were “everyday” people called out of their everyday lives to follow a compassionate Savior to a greater purpose!
There are several things that we need to see in this part of our story. First, our God chooses us…calls us to an abundant life of fulfillment and joy (John 10:10). He doesn’t just do stuff for us. He is not our heavenly waiter that answers our beck and call whenever we ring a bell. He desires our fellowship…our partnership with Him in His work. He calls each of us into the kitchen and hands us an apron. “Come on, help me do this.”
Secondly, we may be overwhelmed like Moses or Jeremiah and declare that we are not the right choice. The excuses begin to fly. “I can’t talk well.” “I’m too young.” “They will never believe me.” The verses above tell us that the power to do the things He calls is to come from Him. He gave them the authority. Jesus provided the disciples everything that they needed to carry out what He asked them to do.
Another thing I want you to see is that Jesus calls them during their everyday work. He recognizes that they are fishermen and, please note, does not ask them to be something they are not. To follow Jesus does not mean that I am given a whole new skill set (although it could). He calls them to do what they do to the glory of God and His Kingdom. In other words, God calls us to be His witnesses…do His work in the daily living of our lives. How can you use your skills…your unique talents and gifts to point people to the Kingdom?
If you are a fisherman, through the power of Christ, you can become a fisher of men. If you are an accountant, through the power of Christ, you can keep books to God’s glory. The Apostle Paul challenged us to do everything we do to the glory of the One who made us!
Lastly, notice that Jesus called them as “disciples” (learners, students) but after they received authority from Him they were called as “Apostles” (sent ones).
One of the consistent messages in our story…the one story is that God calls us to participate in writing His story. This invitation comes fully loaded with everything you need for every good work and…
…He sends you out on mission to do His work…take His message to all who need to hear it!
Are you an active participant in your story or are you sitting back letting life happen to you? Are you in the game or on the bench? Today, God is calling to you! Jesus is on the shoreline of your home…your work…your life and He is calling, “Follow me today!”
Peter and Andrew did and they got involved in their story…they joined Jesus in writing the One Story. That same story continues today. So pick up the pen and, under His direction, join Him in writing your story.