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The Call of the Disciples
Mark 1:16-20
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. Mark 1:17, 18. { CC 282.1}
They were humble and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ, the light of the world, was abundantly able to qualify them for the position for which He had chosen them. The Saviour did not despise education; for when controlled by the love of God, and devoted to His service, intellectual culture is a blessing. But He passed by the wise men of His time, because they were so self-confident that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity, and become colaborers with the man of Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The Lord Jesus seeks the co-operation of those who will become unobstructed channels for the communion of His grace…. { CC 282.2}
Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,—men whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treading the round of daily toil, unconscious that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality with the world’s most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them the advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world’s great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from the Saviour’s training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.4 { CC 282.3}
He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.5 { CC 282.4}
Luke 5:27-32
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom; and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him. Luke 5:27, 28. { CC 283.1}
Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were … extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with the vilest of society. { CC 283.2}
To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who, after the four disciples at Gennesaret, was the next to be called to Christ’s service. The Pharisees had judged Matthew according to his employment, but Jesus saw in this man a heart open for the reception of truth. Matthew had listened to the Saviour’s teaching. As the convicting Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, and had not thought that this Great Teacher would notice him. { CC 283.3}
Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, “Follow me.” Matthew “left all, rose up, and followed him.” There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work…. { CC 283.4}
To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether to desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.6 { CC 283.5}
Every disease Has a cause by Shelem Flemons
Proverbs 26:2 tells us that the curse causeless shall not come. This means that every disease has a cause. It should be understood that Deut. 28 shows that diseases and curses can be used interchangeably. Once we understand that every disease has a cause, we learned that Job 29:16 add the fact that we should search for the cause. It states, “The cause which I knew not, I searched out.”
If we understand that every disease has a searchable cause, we examine our lifestyles to identify violations of health laws. Once identified, we should let go of the bad habits that cause disease.
Sharing and Caring by Maria Flemons
power of prayer by ellen g white
Chapter 32 – Angels and Prayer, Pages 69 & 70
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. (Great Controversy p 630)
Let the recording angels write the history of the holy struggles and conflicts of the people of God; let them record their prayers and tears. (The Acts of Apostles p 561)
“Those who look unto Jesus day by day and hour by hour, who watch unto prayer, are drawing nigh to Jesus. Angels with wings out-spread wait to bear their contrite prayers to God, and to register them in the books of heaven” (S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol 4, p 1184)
Heavenly beings are appointed to answer the prayers of those who are working unselfishly for the interests of the cause of God. The very highest angels in the heavenly courts are appointed to work out the prayers which ascend to God for the advancement of the cause of God. Each angel has his particular post of duty, which he is not permitted to leave for any other place”, (S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol 4, P 1173)
today’s prayer requests
Special Caller – 5514 – Praise The Lord! New job and new home! Keep her and family in prayer.
Sis ask prayer for friend who has two cysts as she allows the Lord to help her with assisting in the care of this work.
continued prayers
Prayer for all to begin the cleansing work of allowing the Lord reveal your true heart condition so that sin can be eradicated from your life and you can then be transformed into His Perfect Image. Do the cleansing prayer work now! Jesus is soon to come!