Dear Church,

Praise God for another amazing Lord’s Day.  As we heard yesterday, Mark 1:16–20 shows us something breathtaking.  Jesus builds His movement by walking straight into ordinary work and calling ordinary people. The first four disciples were not scholars, influencers, or theologians. They were fishermen. Common men. Calloused hands. Early mornings. Heavy nets. No titles. No platform. No theological résumé.

And that is the point.  Jesus did not choose them because of what they already were. He chose them because of what He intended to make them.  He meets them while they are working, not when they are “ready.”  He does not recruit based on credentials.  He calls based on grace.  The Kingdom does not begin with impressive people.  It begins with surrendered people.

When you think about it, fishermen had the kind of character that ministry demands. Courage when the sea turns.  Patience when nothing bites.  Stamina when your body is done.  Teamwork when the nets are heavy.  Grit that refuses to quit.  They knew how to labor with no guarantees, and that is an everyday picture of gospel ministry.  Winning souls is not glamorous work.  It is faithful work. 

Then Jesus says the words that define Christianity, “Follow Me.” Not “agree with Me.” Not “admire Me.” Not “add Me to your life.”  Follow Me.  Attach your life to Mine.  Walk behind Me.  Let Me lead.  Let Me set the pace.  Let Me rewrite your identity.  Church, that is the core of Christianity.

Christianity at its root is not first a system, a rulebook, or a self-improvement plan.  It is a Person.  Jesus does not merely give directions.  He gives Himself.  And when He calls, He also promises, “I will make you.”  That means discipleship is not only a decision. It is the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in surrendered hearts.  Jesus takes what is ordinary and turns it toward what is eternal.

So, the real question is not, “Do I have what it takes?”  The real question is, “Am I willing to follow?”  If Jesus has your yes, He can do far more through your life than you can imagine. 

Be encouraged,
Mathews George