Every year, high school senior apply to their favorite universities and then watch the mailbox for the letter announcing their acceptance. That's the preamble to the commentary on today's daily bread message by Joe Stowell which I believe God will use to speak to your heart in this scripture lessons' series.
The text is taken form Matthew 4:18-22 'And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets and followed him.
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him'.
He continues 'It was different for teens in New Testament times. Jewish boys would
often attend rabbinical schools until age 13. Then only the best and brightest would be chosen to 'Follow' the local rabbi. This small, select group of disciples would go where he went and eat what he ate-modeling their lives after the rabbi. Those who didn't make the cut would pick up a trade like carpentry, sheep-herding, or fishing.
Guys like Simon, Andrew, James and John hadn't made the cut. So instead of following the local rabbi, they were down by the docks, knee-deep in the family business. It's interesting that Jesus sought out the men the local rabbi had rejected. Instead of targeting the best and brightest,
Jesus offered His invitation. 'Follow Me' to ordinary run-of-the-mill fishermen. What an honor! They would become follower of the ultimate Rabbi.
Jesus extend the same honor to you and me-not because we are the best or brightest, but because He needs ordinary people like us to model His life and to lovingly rescue people on His behalf. So, follow Him and let Him
make something of your life!
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