As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:16-18
God Has Chosen You
Devotion based on Mark 1:16-18
See series: Devotions
Jesus saw Simon and Andrew as he walked along the Sea of Galilee. They were fishing, and he said to them, “Come, follow me.” It seems like a simple request. But then the question comes to mind, “Why?” What was it about these men that made Jesus choose them over all the other people along the Sea of Galilee? Jesus could have chosen the rich, or the highly educated, or the influential, or the officials of his day. But he didn’t. He found common fishermen and chose them to follow him so that they could be trained for three years to become fishers of men instead of fishers of fish. But it wasn’t anything about those two fishermen that caused Jesus to choose them. It was simply God’s grace that was poured out on Simon and Andrew.
You could ask the same question about yourself: What does God see in you that would lead him to call you to follow him? If you are honest with yourself, you have to admit there is no reason that he would have to call you. You are not good enough, smart enough, perfect enough, or deserving enough to make Jesus call you. But in his grace, Jesus calls you to be his disciple. He removed the obstacles separating you from God when he paid for your sins. Now he calls you to follow him just as he called Simon and Andrew so many years ago.
What a great privilege and gift from your Savior! He has chosen you to follow him.
Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, I give thanks that you have called me to be your disciple. Give me the strength to follow you all the days of my life. Amen.