Calling

Reading through the book of Matthew right now.  This morning I read Matthew 3:18-22.  It's the calling of the first four disciples - Peter, Andrew, James, and John.  There is so much in this passage, but here's a couple of points that just just jumped out at me:

1. Jesus called four everyday, work-a-day guys to be His first four followers.  There was absolutely nothing special about these guys.  We would have probably looked right over them.  They had no position, power, or pedigree.  These guys didn't have a place in the temple, they weren't out spoutin' prayers and rules.  They were just doing life.  In fact Jesus found them working.  I picture Peter as a 4-wheel truck driving, bass boat owning, "Ain't Skeered!" sticker kind of guy. These are the kind of guys Jesus started His ministry with.
2. Jesus saw past all of that.  Jesus saw commitment and a work ethic.  He saw potential.  He four guys that would be instrumental in carrying out His mission at the end of His ministry.  He saw four men who would turn the world upside down after He left it to them.  Jesus saw four guys that couldn't rely on their position, power, and pedigree, but rely only on Him. . .and that's the way He likes it.
3. Their response is incredible, especially after I talk with so many people who don't and/or won't make the kinds of sacrifices they did to follow Jesus.  In their calling we read that they all dropped what they were doing and began following Jesus to who knows where.  Different versions use words like immediately, at once, quickly, right away, and right then.  All those words communicate urgency. . .no questions asked.  What a great example for us. . .for you.  God wants to use people like Peter, Andrew, James, John. . .and you!  You don't have to great communicator or come from a super religious background.  Just be willing to let go and follow.  Take it from me, it's the ultimate adventure!  

Now a couple of lessons:

1. Are you being used by Jesus?  Jesus wants to use us. . .everyday, living life kind of people.  The kind of people who have to rely solely and totally on Him to do what He calls  us to do - teaching, talking to neighbors, going on mission across the hall at work or across the globe.  Are you being used by Jesus?
2. Are you leaving a legacy?  Jesus did and it started with these four men.  It takes time, effort, and energy.  Whether it's your children, a ministry, or men to lead into the future, it all takes times.  Jesus started with these four men and spent  three years walking through life, their life, with them. . .investing in them.  Who are you investing in?
3. What's your response to His calling?  Do you even know what He's called/calling you to do?  These guys dropped everything.  James and John even left their father to follow Jesus.  Yes, we have to make difficult decisions sometimes, but it's well worth it.  What's His calling and what's your response?

Like I said, there's a lot in these four verses.  Stop and ponder what Jesus is calling you to do.  Maybe He already has and He's waiting for our to leave your "nets."  It up to you.

Well. . .gotta go, that's Jesus on the other line.  He doesn't like to be kept on hold.
Mike