Matthew 4:18-20Often times at church events we make certain that we don’t do all the work to prepare. It may seem the wrong thing to do, but it is actually a good thing to ask others to help. We might wait until people arrive before we begin setting up tables or setting out materials. It is important to make others feel included in what you are doing. It makes them know they are part of what is going on.
As Jesus began his ministry he gathered some followers to be part of what he was doing. Who did he see? What were they doing? What did Jesus say? How did Peter and Andrew respond?
Most are familiar with the calling of the first disciples. Jesus is walking along the Sea of Galilee and sees two fishermen. He is knowledgeable in fishing. It takes some effort. It takes patience. It requires certain knowledge and skill. And when you fish you are often working in the unknown – you can’t always see what lies beneath the surface.
Then Jesus makes a clever request. He asks them to be part of his ministry. Their lives will change. They will still be fishing – trying to gather together – but they will be after people and not fish.
To be in ministry requires the skills of fishing – effort, patience, skill, and the ability to deal with the unknown. It simply deals with much more important concepts. Fishing for men involves saving souls, leading people out of the depths of despair and hopeless into the joys and hopes of God’s kingdom.
We may not be fishermen. We may have other jobs. But we are called into ministry with the Lord. We are all called to help bring the lost into that profound relationship with God that brings peace and love and salvation.
The disciples were able to drop what they were doing and follow Jesus. The question is, are we able to stop what we are doing and turn our attention to the work of God?
DAILY CHALLENGE: What will it take for you to be a fisher of men?
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