The Field is the World
“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 two other brethren, James
the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their
father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately
left the ship and their father, and followed Him.” [
Matthew 4:18-22
.]
The prompt, unquestioning obedience of these men, with no
promise of wages, seems remarkable; but the words of Christ were an
invitation that carried with it an impelling power. Christ would make
these humble fishermen, in connection with Himself, the means of
taking men out of the service of Satan, and placing them in the service
of God. In this work they would become his witnesses, bearing to the
world His truth unmingled with the traditions and sophistries of men.
By practicing His virtues, by walking and working with Him, they
were to be qualified to be fishers of men.
Thus were the first disciples appointed to the work of the gospel
ministry. For three years they labored in connection with the Saviour,
and by His teaching, His works of healing, His example, they were
prepared to carry on the work that He began. By the simplicity of
faith, by pure, humble service, the disciples were taught to carry
responsibilities in God’s cause.
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There are lessons for us to learn from the experience of the apostles.
These men were as true as steel to principle. They were men who
would not fail nor be discouraged. They were full of reverence and zeal
for God, full of noble purposes and aspirations. They were by nature
as weak and helpless as any of those now engaged in the work, but
they put their whole trust in the Lord. Wealth they had, but it consisted
of mind and soul culture; and this every one may have who will make
God first and last and best in everything. They toiled long to learn the
lessons given them in the school of Christ, and they did not toil in vain.
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