“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19).

For believers, once we have accepted Christ we have an intense desire to be used by God. This is a desire that is placed in the heart of all believers by the Holy Spirit. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10). Even so, we often fear that we do not have what it takes.

The backstory to Matthew 4:19 is that Jesus has just begun his active ministry, having been baptized by John the Baptist and having completed his forty days in the wilderness. He had begun preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). When he encountered Andrew and Peter, who were fishing, he called to them to follow him. Andrew, at least, was already a disciple of John the Baptist, we learn from John 1:37. When John the Baptist told him who Jesus was (“Look, the Lamb of God!”), Andrew was ready to follow Jesus.

Andrew become one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. He was not prominently mentioned during the Gospels. His claim to fame was extending the call to Peter, his brother. Based on Peter’s extensive accomplishments, that would have been useful enough. However, we do know from other writings that Andrew was a faithful evangelist after Jesus’ resurrection and was crucified for his ministry.

How can we be useful like Andrew and Peter and the other disciples? What did Andrew and Peter do when they were called? The very next verse tells us: “At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:20). It is not that they did not have anything else to do. They were gainfully employed with families to support. From an extensive reading of the Scriptures, it seems that the key requirement is responding to the call. That is all. There are really no excuses:

1. Age is not an excuse (neither youth nor old age).
   1. Elizabeth (Luke 1:36)
   1. Joshua (Joshua 13:1)
   1. David (1 Samuel 16:1-13), (1 Samuel 17:42)
   1. Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12)
2. Lack of ability is not an excuse.
   1. Moses (Exodus 4:10)
   1. Paul (1 Corinthians 2:1)
3. Your past mistakes are not an excuse.
   1. Rahab (Joshua 2:1)
   1. David (2 Samuel 11)
   1. Saul/Paul (Acts 8:3)
4. Lack of education or social status is not an excuse.
   1. Peter, John, Andrew, James, et al (Acts 4:13)

I am very blessed to participate in a Bible study with our women who are experiencing homelessness. Several of the women expressed to me last week their desire to be used by God, even while living in a shelter. We had a good discussion. We talked about how often all we must do is look right around us to find ways we can share our faith, help where needed, offer an encouraging word, or just set an example of love and compassion.

It is a privilege to be used by God in the furtherance of the gospel. It is one not to take for granted. Like Andrew and Peter, when Jesus calls, let us immediately follow Him.

“How beautiful on the mountains
    are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
    who bring good tidings,
    who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
 “Your God reigns!”

(Isaiah 52:7).

In Christ,

Judy