Ordinary People

Shane Williams

Jesus was not born in some glamorous location with highly educated important parents. Bethlehem was just an ordinary place and Mary and Joseph were regular ordinary people. When Jesus began His ministry, He chose His first followers at an ordinary place. He didn’t search the relgious schools for the most educated scholars. He didn’t try to find a brilliant military leader. Instead, Jesus went to the shores of Galilee and called out four common fisherman — Peter, Andrew, James and John.

Some might say this was a poor choice and Jesus could have done much better. Others might think that although these men would be tough, they were uneducated and far too ordinary What would they know about changing the world or being involved in teaching other people?

Certainly fishermen have many positive traits. They must be capable, courageous, and patient. They plan carefully and take care of their equipment. No doubt, these qualities would be helpful in carrying out the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19,20). How-ever, I really don’t think that’s why Jesus chose these men. What Jesus did was demonstrate how God can transform ordinary people into “fishers of men” (Mk. 1:16,17).

“As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them: ‘Follow Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on a little farther, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending their nets. Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Jesus.” (Mk. 1:16-20).

God’s work is most often done just by ordinary people from ordinary places — people like you and me. Anyone can follow the Lord.  It’s not limited to the rich or the social elites. But are you willing to follow Him? Will you follow Jesus or the world?

“…I most certainly understand now that God is not One to show partiality, but in every nation, the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.” (Acts 10:34,35).

                                              The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 14, No. 9, March, 2013.