March 25

The First Disciples

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. — Matt 4:18 BSB

When Christ looks for people to fill important positions, He never chooses from among the idle. He always seeks those who are busy and faithfully doing their work. When God needed someone to deliver His people, He found Moses tending sheep in the wilderness. When He sought a king for Israel, He chose David, a shepherd boy watching over his flock. When He wanted a prophet, He found Elisha working with his plow. And when Jesus needed apostles to lay the foundation of the Church, He went to the seashore and found men who were busy fishing. He passed by those who were idle and called the men who were hard at work. He needed people who were active, energetic, and earnest, and He knew exactly where to find them.

The lesson here is clear. If we want Christ to call us to important roles, we must be diligent and active in our current tasks. When He looks for someone to do His work, He should find us competent and worthy. We should also remember that Christ often calls people from humble tasks. If we think our work is beneath us, the best way to rise to something greater is to be faithful where we are. It’s those who are faithful in small things that are entrusted with greater responsibilities. Those who don’t perform well in lowly positions aren’t wanted for higher ones by either God or man.