July
19, 2003
FOLLOW
ME
"Then
He said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of
men.' They immediately left their nets and followed Him"
(Matthew 4:19, NKJV).
They
were humble and unlearned men, the brothers Peter and Andrew,
and James and John, fishermen of Galilee. But Jesus, the light
of the world, was abundantly able to qualify them for the
position for which He had chosen them. Jesus did not despise
education. He also selected Paul who was a very educated man.
When controlled by the love of God, and devoted to His service,
intellectual culture is a blessing. But He passed by most
of the wise men of His time, because they were so self-confident
and absorbed that they could not sympathize with the suffering
of humanity, and become colaborers with a Man they did not
understand. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by
Christ. Jesus seeks the cooperation of all. However, He can
best work with those who will become unobstructed channels
for the communication of His love and grace. "The first
thing to be learned by all who would become workers together
with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared
to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is
not to be gained through education in the most scientific
schools. It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the
divine Teacher alone.
"Jesus
chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled
in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They
were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,--men
whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of
life there is many a man [and woman] patiently treading
the round of daily toil, unconscious that possess powers which,
if called into action, would raise them to an equality with
the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand
is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was such men
that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them the
advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world's
great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from
the Saviour's training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured.
They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took
knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus...
"In
the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory
to themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors
was due only to God. The lives of these men, the characters
they developed, and the mighty work that God wrought through
them, are a testimony to what He will do for all who are teachable
and obedient" (Desire of Ages, p. 250).
God takes
men and women as they are and educates them for life and service,
if they are willing to yield themselves to Him. May God bless
you today.
|
