Ordinary People
by Alan and Clarice Smith 22 February 2022
Read Mark 1:16-20.
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose these men to follow him? They weren't rich or famous; they were just ordinary fishermen. In fact I believe they were possibly some way down on the social ladder. Jesus could have called anyone to be his followers. He could have selected leaders of commerce or learned priests from the synagogue. He could have selected high ranking men from the Roman army or government officials. But no, Jesus selected four ordinary men to be the first of his closest associates, four ordinary men to carry on his ministry.
When we lived in Wolverhampton our Methodist Minister at Codsall Church Rev. Bob Morris in one of his sermons once said,
'Knelt at the Communion Table we are all equal, whether our hands are those of a Doctor or those of a Labourer.'
Hands outstretched to receive Communion can silently convey a lot. A little saying, but I have never forgotten it.
At a time when my own confidence needed to grow such words were encouraging to me. Ordinary people are not only loved by Jesus, but they can be of use in his service working in and through his power. Wow what a thought!
Jesus demonstrates vividly to all of us that he chooses ordinary people to follow him. He requires no specific qualifications for those whom he calls. All he wants, as demonstrated in today's scripture reading, is for ordinary people to follow him. And in following, we discover who he truly is.
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Prayer
Open our ears and hearts, dear Heavenly Father, so we may hear your call to follow you.
Amen.