How does one build a ministry? Jesus started by simply speaking the truth in love. Crowds were amazed. Jesus gave a perspective on God that no other rabbi had. A God that loves His people personally. A God that considered each soul as important as another. A God that truly loved them and was not seeking wrath for error or omission. That was the message from Jesus. As Jesus approached His first apostles, He was being pressed on all sides. He stepped into the boat of Simon (Peter). Peter had no idea that this short fishing trip would change his life and the world. Jesus knew, though.
Simon, James, and John–all business partners would meet Moses and Elijah, they would see the miracles, the sacrifice, the resurrection, and the building of the Church.
John would become the beloved disciple and the author of a gospel, a few letters, and the biblical account of Christ’s return. Peter would start the gentile outreach, walk on water, heal the lame, and lead the churches initial growth. Jesus’ choices for his team were not done haphazardly, nor were any of the choices a mistake.
God is very purposeful. He does nothing by chance and is not surprised by seeming departures from a plan. In our lives, we face interruptions, unforeseen changes, and emergent circumstances that we simply cannot handle. Fortunately, our Lord can handle each of them. He does so with grace and style. It is our call simply to trust the Lord and follow Him–just like Andrew, Simon, James, and John. If we will, He will also make us “Fishers of Men!”
God Bless You
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Walking With God 