When Jesus intersected the disciples’ lives, they were busy working as fishermen and making a livelihood for their families. A different calling or identity was not on their mind.
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18-20
Jesus told them that their identity was about to change and that they were going to become fishers of men. This identity was going to be based on following Jesus and being shaped through their relationship with Him. The disciples were willing to leave their nets and follow Jesus immediately, They didn’t know where Jesus was going, but they were willing to take the risk and follow Him. I doubt if they fully understood what it meant to be fishers of men. Jesus found busy fishermen and intersected their lives to completely change their worldview and their value system.
Most of us have had encounters with the Lord when we weren’t looking for Him, but at a moment in time, He intersected our lives and completely changed our passion, hope, and dreams. He replaced the worldly desires with the passion for His presence and His glory. In some ways, we were like the disciples. We knew our identity was being changed, but we weren’t sure where we were headed and what to expect in our relationship with the Lord.
The disciples walked with Jesus for three years and ministered to people under Jesus’ direction and guidance. They assumed that being fishers of men was about their limited ministry under the supervision of their teacher. This was evident when they went back to fishing after Jesus was crucified. They must have thought that their identity as fishers of men was over. Therefore, it was time for them to return to who they were before.
Our disappointments cause us to go back to our familiar places. The familiar always appears more real than something that we don’t understand. The familiar is more comfortable than the person who has disappointed us.
I’m so glad that Jesus did not give up on the disciples. He also does not give up on us. Today, if you are questioning certain aspects of your identity in Christ, be real with Him in prayer. Submit and surrender the perplexing issue to the Lord. Refrain from blaming and accusing others about your situation. Be open to receiving His words of life, comfort, and correction. His presence and assurance will settle your identity in Him!
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
