[simple_tooltip content=’13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:
16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them,
22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.’]Matthew 4:13-22[/simple_tooltip]; [simple_tooltip content=’16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.
20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.’]Mark 1:16-20[/simple_tooltip]; [simple_tooltip content=’31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.
32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.’]Luke 4:31-32[/simple_tooltip]; [simple_tooltip content=’36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;
37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.’]Luke 2:36-40[/simple_tooltip]
Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (Mark 1:16)
Jesus never chose an apostle from among the religious people. Every one of His twelve disciples was from the secular world. It wasn’t because God didn’t love those who were religious; it was just that most of those who were part of the religious system didn’t have much faith in Him. They were so tied up in their own holiness and the outward appearance of being religious that they left out a personal relationship with Him.
One of the most common mistakes religious people make is to put faith in themselves. They think God accepts and uses them because of their holy lifestyle or special abilities. Paul said, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are” (1 Cor. 1:27,28). That describes the twelve.
People who recognize their own inabilities and weaknesses are more dependent on God out of necessity. That is the way God wants it. He is constantly searching for someone who recognizes they are nothing apart from Him. Then He can do something through them. [simple_tooltip content=’For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”’](2 Chron. 16:9)[/simple_tooltip]
Instead of thinking of all your responsibility today, respond to His ability. Empty yourself and allow Him to be everything to you. You will be surprised at how much you will accomplish and how much better you will feel.
