Winning people to Christ!
“Then He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men,” Matthew 4:19.
According to Google, “In the U.S. specifically, 50% of workers reported feeling stressed at their jobs on a daily basis, 41% as being worried, 22% as sad, and 18% angry. Older workers and those with higher family incomes have more positive views of their job. Workers ages 65 and older are the most likely to say they are extremely or very satisfied with their job overall (67%) – and adults younger than 30 are the least likely to say this (44%).”
Jesus promised His first followers something. For example, Jesus was assuring Peter He had more for him than his job. Jesus went on to change Peter’s life! His profession went from fishers of fish to fishers of men. As the disciples walked with Jesus, they slowly came to the realization more provision was not in the sea but with man! Their blessings lied in winning souls for Christ! He told them, “Go”, introduce the Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20)!
Not only that, but Jesus will also pay you! And He will pay you double!! “To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20. Some jobs, no matter how hard you work, are not fulfilling and is not enough to pay all your bills.
These men carried the vision. The kingdom was increasing. When God calls you there is a reason and a purpose!
In His plan for your life, He is equipping, empowering, providing, and sustaining you!
Jesus gave these men a kingdom job to do. He was there instructor, (starting Matthew 5).
He trained them by demonstrating what to do in His kingdom. Matthew 4:23, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.”
They did not understand at the time, but He was also preparing the way for the Gentile nations to hear the Good News of His Gospel!
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned,” Matthew 4:15-16.
Gentiles referring to any person of non-Jewish heritage representing other nations. While Galilee had a large Jewish population the majority of the people were then Gentiles. Zebulun and Naphtali were two of Jacob’s sons by Leah, (Genesis 35:23-26). These two northern tribes were among the 10 tribes who gave up their faith in God and turned to the things of sinfulness, and worldliness. The Assyrians caused them to be scattered in the known world. At that time, the Gentiles settled in Israel, and Galilee became a mixed population, a confused and dark place.
Jesus began His ministry at home! “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matthew 4:17. The worldwide mission begins at home. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali was home to Jesus; it was where he grew up.
Is everyone to quit your jobs and follow Jesus? Of course not. Nor did he tell everyone at that time to quit their jobs and follow Him. The point is the believer needs to be winning souls for Jesus no matter what you’re doing in life! Rest assured regardless of your profession, if you’re working for Christ, He will pay you double! His rewards are eternal, and they are satisfying!
“The blessings of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow with it,” Proverbs 10:22.
Moses & Marguerite Wafula
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