Four Fishermen Mending Nets as Jesus Approachesby oxfordelly
4:20Matthew 4:20
And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Simon Peter and Andrew at once left their boats, nets and fishing livelihood to follow Jesus when He called them by the Sea of Galilee. Straightway means immediately and without delay, asking no questions, offering no excuses, and obeying in entire consecration. They followed without any promise of wages, gain or worldly honor, making no stipulation about what they should receive. Their following meant entering a new work of saving souls as fishers of men, learning from Christ by being with Him in order to bear witness to His truth. Their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every gospel worker today to separate from entangling business interests and give undivided energy to leading souls to Him.
Setting and Immediate Action
The call belongs by the Sea of Galilee at daybreak after a fruitless night of fishing, while Jesus taught the gathered people from Peter's boat. After the teaching He gave an object lesson of their future work by commanding a launch after the weary toil, bringing a draught so great the net began to break. James and John had to be summoned to help, and both boats were laden until nearly sinking. At the sight Peter confessed his sinful unbelief at Jesus' feet, and then at the words Follow me and I will make you fishers of men, and Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men, the four fishermen immediately left and followed.
Those who straightway left their nets were Simon Peter and Andrew, with John the son of Zebedee and James and John likewise leaving boat and nets. Peter and Andrew in leaving promptly became His first disciples, and all were called to become fishers of men and of people. Their response marked them as sharers in His self-denial and sacrifices rather than servants for a promised sum.
Leaving their nets meant at once leaving their fishing occupation and livelihood, their boats, nets and means of work. It meant giving up their regular work and worldly possessions in obedience because they recognized divine authority. It meant leaving former work and family setting to come to Christ, without hesitating over how they and their families would be supported.
Prompt Obedience Without Conditions
Straightway means immediately, at once and without delay, for Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed when called by the Sea of Galilee. They did not delay to reason out excuses or explain why they could not obey, they presented no whys or wherefores, they asked no questions, and they obeyed without questioning or hesitation. Their answer came at once with no excuse, leaving fishing work to enter a new work, and their immediate, entire consecration and harmony with Christ is the work to be carried on in the present time. Those who claim to be children of God and make such an entire consecration will be used to accomplish a good work with the mighty influence of God's power with them, and their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every minister of the gospel in going into highways and hedges and cities everywhere to labor for the ignorant and out of the way.
They followed without any promise of wages, salary, certain sum, gain, large salary, worldly honor, or flattering prospects in this life. They made no stipulation about what they should receive and did not wait to demand pay equal to former earnings, but as Christ's first disciples they were called to share His self-denial and sacrifices. Their response marked them as His first disciples and gives the example of how gospel work is to be done, serving not for a promised sum of money but in fellowship with His sacrifice.
Jesus made no long explanation, but His short invitation implied all He meant for them and carried compelling, impelling and drawing power. Their obedience required no questions or promise of wages because the invitation made its purpose clear, calling them to become fishers of people who through service with Christ would help bring people from Satan's service into God's, bear witness to His truth free from human traditions and sophistries, and become qualified by practicing His virtues and walking and working with Him. His command carried convincing power, and the fishermen were humble, unprejudiced, ready to understand the truth and willing to receive His teaching, while the Holy Spirit enlightened and converted them. Their hearts were made receptive to the truth of His kingdom, like new bottles able to receive new wine.
Called to Become Fishers
To follow was to take up a new work in the saving of souls as fishers of people. It meant entering service with Christ to help bring people out of Satan's service into God's service, to bear witness to His truth free from human traditions and sophistries, and to become qualified by practicing His virtues and by walking and working with Him. Their response illustrates readiness to leave former work and become His fellow workers in gospel service.
He chose these humble, unlearned men to be with Him as He entered upon public labor. They were to be learners while He spoke the word of eternal life to the multitudes, learning His manner of labor by witnessing His life, beholding His miracles, and listening to His words. In this way they would be prepared to fulfill their high commission with wisdom, patience, meekness, earnestness and energy by copying His example. They were chosen to witness what they saw and heard and afterward to bear pointed testimony with power to move the people and convince the understanding of all who would not steel their hearts against evidence, especially through their epistles for future generations who would believe on His name. Their training came by following and working with Him rather than by first seeking preparation from Jewish teachers.
That first leaving of the nets was not yet their complete and final commitment, for they had witnessed His miracles and heard His teaching yet had not entirely left their fishing. After John's death, grief, doubt and fear led them to return briefly to their old work for relief from anxiety. The later miraculous catch recalled this first call and renewed their commission, showing that His death had not ended the work He had assigned them. Though His personal companionship and their former means of support were gone, the risen Jesus would care for their needs as they worked, and when they labored with Him His divine power joined to their human effort would bring success.
Why Humble Fishermen Chosen
Jesus chose humble, unlearned, working fishermen of Galilee from the lower ranks and common duties of daily life to be His co-laborers. They were men of good natural ability whose powers lay dormant until aroused by a skillful hand, sturdy and disciplined by toil and hardship, candid, fair-minded, benevolent and kind. Their lives had not been shaped by worldly customs and fashions or schooled in false traditions and erroneous customs, and they were free from love of wealth and worldly honor and from the bigotry and prejudice of the scribes and Pharisees. Because their open hearts could feel for the suffering of others and receive truth, they were humble and teachable and willing to be taught and shaped, so He could educate them, mold their character, and fit them to retain His teachings for future generations. He did not choose them for grammar or business skill, but gave them the advantage of association with Himself as a teacher greater than any the great men of the world ever had.
He passed by the learned lawyers, scribes, elders, rulers, Pharisees, rabbis, dignitaries, and rich and great men because they would not follow Him. They were exalted by worldly wisdom, learning, position, self-righteousness, praise and flattery, felt whole and sufficient in themselves with no special need of a Redeemer, and trusted human wisdom and pride of intellect. Fixed in traditions, superstitions and character, they would not become humble learners and would not receive His teachings, unlike the humble fishermen who rejoiced to be connected with Him and become co-laborers with Him. Learned and honorable people could have followed Him and used their abilities in His service, but some lacked courage to confess Him under opposition from religious and political leaders.
The choice showed no preference for ignorance and did not despise education, ignore learning, oppose learning, or condemn education. Christ, the source of knowledge, connected faithful, obedient and willing men with Himself to educate and qualify them to carry forward His work after He left, with words and deeds of far-reaching effect. The highest culture sanctified by the love and fear of God receives His approbation, and the three years of training under His own care as the most perfect educator the world has ever known could be equaled by no course of study in the schools of the rabbis or the halls of philosophy. That education in His school is higher and more far-reaching than the school of the prophets.
Trained in Christ's School
Their leaving the nets placed them at once under His refining influence for three years, with the Saviour Himself as the most perfect educator the world has ever known. That three years of training under His own care no course of study in the schools of the rabbis or in the halls of philosophy could equal in value. He took them with Him from place to place as He taught and ministered, gathering them with hundreds listening on a rock or elevated place for instruction, teaching them the Old Testament as He walked with them, and training them through close personal company and guidance. His personal way of calling them from the fishing boat to learn from Him and work with Him is the pattern for educating nurses, physicians, gospel medical missionary evangelists and young workers by living and laboring together under experienced leaders.
Being with Jesus transformed ignorant and uncultured men into men like Him in mind and character, with a boldness and excellent instruction that astonished even the enemies who had crucified Christ. He calls men from the common walks of daily toil whose powers lie dormant until aroused by a skillful hand, seeing infinite possibilities in poor men looked upon as of little value, who in His hands become precious jewels because they are willing to be shaped for His service rather than chosen for grammar or business skill. He chose these humble, faithful and obedient fishermen, connected the Source of knowledge with Himself to educate and qualify them, and made them the foundation and architects of His church to hew timber and quarry stones, not on man's foundation but on Christ the true foundation. Their discipleship meant being prepared to educate other workers and send them out from place to place into the highways and hedges to compel men to come in, rather than building fine churches and settling down over them as pastors, and the light given to them will be imparted to all who connect with God. By linking themselves daily with the Great Teacher, learning precious lessons from the Saviour and gaining knowledge from the Scriptures, men with no school learning who were not too wise in their own estimation to receive instruction from above became truly wise, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit gave them practical, saving energy to become soul-winners whose words and deeds would have far-reaching effects after He left the earth.
He sought to teach them the nature of His kingdom and mission and gave them lessons of instruction to fit them for their future duties, lessons recorded in the Word that will have weight until the end of time. Their comprehension of the things of the kingdom was limited and restrained, for they had been receiving the mixed and objectionable sayings of the scribes and Pharisees and held false beliefs, so they could not yet grasp all He wished to communicate and He had many disclosures of divine truth they were unable to hear. Learners differed under the same instruction: Judas did not let the lessons have a sanctifying influence on his heart nor bring his natural disposition under discipline, and it finally led to the betrayal of Christ, while John not only learned the lessons but put them in practice and after his Master's death stood firmly upon those principles when assailed by the enemies of truth.
Pattern for Workers Today
Their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every minister of the gospel in doing Christ's work of going into the highways and hedges and the cities everywhere to labor for those who are ignorant and out of the way with the message of present truth. When Simon Peter and Andrew were called by the Sea of Galilee they came right to His side, presenting no whys or wherefores and obeying without questioning, and their immediate, entire consecration and harmony with Christ is the work to be carried on in the present time. Those who claim to be children of God and make such an entire consecration will be used by God to accomplish a good work with the mighty influence of God's power with them, and those who answer His call today and follow His example may bring many people to Him. Christ gathers helpers at the beginning of His ministry, and ministers are to seek out and train people who can help in their work rather than trying to do everything alone, leading souls to the Saviour with undivided interest.
Leaving the nets means those in His service separate from all business entanglements that would tarnish Christlikeness of character, bring coarseness into their lives, and hinder advancement in spiritual things. Acceptable work for God leaves no room for engrossing personal interests, large business enterprises, or speculation, because division of interest dims spiritual perception, fills mind and heart with earthly things, puts service to Christ in second place, and shapes work for God by circumstances instead of shaping circumstances to meet the demands of God. The energies and best powers of the minister belong to God for the one purpose of telling others of the Saviour and the riches of eternal life, working with hearts filled with Christlike love for souls, in all things following the Saviour's example and sharing His tender compassion and His sternness against all evil working.
When hearts are touched by His love the question of compensation is not uppermost, for it is enough to be with the Saviour, hear His words, unite with Him in His work, and rejoice to be co-workers with Christ. Peter and his companions were offered no flattering prospects in this life and no promise of gain or worldly honor, and they made no stipulation about what they should receive, obeying at once without question or hesitation and without waiting to demand a salary equal to former earnings. They left boats and nets even though some had friends dependent on them for support, without asking how they would live and sustain their families, trusting His care without fear. Afterward they could testify that they lacked nothing when sent without purse, scrip and shoes, and those who make God their strength will have clear conceptions of duty, unselfish aspirations, and a life actuated by a noble purpose that raises them above sordid motives.
The same call still comes today to His work, and Christ may call people away from their farms, businesses, or trades to warn the world and give the last note of warning to perishing souls. He calls men from the plow and from other ordinary occupations, and this calling applies to women as well as men, with true, humble workers putting God's honor and glory first. The Lord Himself still calls men as of old He called the humble fishermen, and Himself gives them instruction regarding their field of labor and the methods they should follow. He opens the understanding of those He calls, enabling them to see wondrous things in His word, and there are many ways to work for the Master, including training young people for city mission work under experienced, consecrated leaders, canvassing, evangelism and house-to-house work.
He equips those who follow without first sending them to Jewish teachers, colleges, schools or years under human tuition, for they learn by following and working with Him. When called from their nets they had no school learning and no college education, but they consecrated themselves to God daily and took hold of work where they were for those around them. By linking themselves with the Great Teacher they learned precious lessons from the Saviour and gained knowledge from the Scriptures that qualified them to speak to others of Christ. Because they were not too wise in their own estimation to receive instruction from above they became truly wise, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit gave them practical, saving energy to become soul-winners in simplicity of living and preaching. People may go directly from church to labor in God's work without having been ordained, and others must not forbid them, nor is anyone to bind himself to serve for a term of years under the direction of one group of men or in one specified branch of the Master's work, but the Lord must be given opportunity to show men their duty and to work upon their minds.
Christ's call takes precedence over agreements that bind people's work and service to human beings, and each person is to follow the work Christ appoints, leaving livelihood and former occupation at once. As the fishermen left their former work, so Brother Faulkhead left the secret society that had occupied him and devoted his talents to the work the Lord had for him. Those whose means are in banks or in speculative lines are to turn from those interests and use entrusted wealth to advance God's work of preparing a people in all parts of the world, through direct personal appeal and warning to wealthy men and women, great men and rulers, and those in the highways who have not felt responsible to the Lord.
Peter and Andrew immediately left their fishing nets when called to become fishers of men, and their response illustrates readiness to give up former work, plans and daily business in order to become His followers, join Christ, learn from Him and His methods and plans, and serve in His mission of saving souls. Christ chose humble, sturdy working men to labor with Him in the work of salvation, and humble workers who unite religion with business and willingly bear responsibility do work of lasting influence felt through eternity. Their direct commitment began their training for ministry with Him on the safe though hard and narrow path following His footsteps.
Simon Peter and Andrew at once left their boats, nets and fishing livelihood to follow Jesus when He called them by the Sea of Galilee. Straightway means immediately and without delay, asking no questions, offering no excuses, and obeying in entire consecration. They followed without any promise of wages, gain or worldly honor, making no stipulation about what they should receive. Their following meant entering a new work of saving souls as fishers of men, learning from Christ by being with Him in order to bear witness to His truth. Their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every gospel worker today to separate from entangling business interests and give undivided energy to leading souls to Him.
Setting and Immediate Action
The call belongs by the Sea of Galilee at daybreak after a fruitless night of fishing, while Jesus taught the gathered people from Peter's boat. After the teaching He gave an object lesson of their future work by commanding a launch after the weary toil, bringing a draught so great the net began to break. James and John had to be summoned to help, and both boats were laden until nearly sinking. At the sight Peter confessed his sinful unbelief at Jesus' feet, and then at the words Follow me and I will make you fishers of men, and Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men, the four fishermen immediately left and followed.
Those who straightway left their nets were Simon Peter and Andrew, with John the son of Zebedee and James and John likewise leaving boat and nets. Peter and Andrew in leaving promptly became His first disciples, and all were called to become fishers of men and of people. Their response marked them as sharers in His self-denial and sacrifices rather than servants for a promised sum.
Leaving their nets meant at once leaving their fishing occupation and livelihood, their boats, nets and means of work. It meant giving up their regular work and worldly possessions in obedience because they recognized divine authority. It meant leaving former work and family setting to come to Christ, without hesitating over how they and their families would be supported.
Prompt Obedience Without Conditions
Straightway means immediately, at once and without delay, for Peter and Andrew left their nets and followed when called by the Sea of Galilee. They did not delay to reason out excuses or explain why they could not obey, they presented no whys or wherefores, they asked no questions, and they obeyed without questioning or hesitation. Their answer came at once with no excuse, leaving fishing work to enter a new work, and their immediate, entire consecration and harmony with Christ is the work to be carried on in the present time. Those who claim to be children of God and make such an entire consecration will be used to accomplish a good work with the mighty influence of God's power with them, and their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every minister of the gospel in going into highways and hedges and cities everywhere to labor for the ignorant and out of the way.
They followed without any promise of wages, salary, certain sum, gain, large salary, worldly honor, or flattering prospects in this life. They made no stipulation about what they should receive and did not wait to demand pay equal to former earnings, but as Christ's first disciples they were called to share His self-denial and sacrifices. Their response marked them as His first disciples and gives the example of how gospel work is to be done, serving not for a promised sum of money but in fellowship with His sacrifice.
Jesus made no long explanation, but His short invitation implied all He meant for them and carried compelling, impelling and drawing power. Their obedience required no questions or promise of wages because the invitation made its purpose clear, calling them to become fishers of people who through service with Christ would help bring people from Satan's service into God's, bear witness to His truth free from human traditions and sophistries, and become qualified by practicing His virtues and walking and working with Him. His command carried convincing power, and the fishermen were humble, unprejudiced, ready to understand the truth and willing to receive His teaching, while the Holy Spirit enlightened and converted them. Their hearts were made receptive to the truth of His kingdom, like new bottles able to receive new wine.
Called to Become Fishers
To follow was to take up a new work in the saving of souls as fishers of people. It meant entering service with Christ to help bring people out of Satan's service into God's service, to bear witness to His truth free from human traditions and sophistries, and to become qualified by practicing His virtues and by walking and working with Him. Their response illustrates readiness to leave former work and become His fellow workers in gospel service.
He chose these humble, unlearned men to be with Him as He entered upon public labor. They were to be learners while He spoke the word of eternal life to the multitudes, learning His manner of labor by witnessing His life, beholding His miracles, and listening to His words. In this way they would be prepared to fulfill their high commission with wisdom, patience, meekness, earnestness and energy by copying His example. They were chosen to witness what they saw and heard and afterward to bear pointed testimony with power to move the people and convince the understanding of all who would not steel their hearts against evidence, especially through their epistles for future generations who would believe on His name. Their training came by following and working with Him rather than by first seeking preparation from Jewish teachers.
That first leaving of the nets was not yet their complete and final commitment, for they had witnessed His miracles and heard His teaching yet had not entirely left their fishing. After John's death, grief, doubt and fear led them to return briefly to their old work for relief from anxiety. The later miraculous catch recalled this first call and renewed their commission, showing that His death had not ended the work He had assigned them. Though His personal companionship and their former means of support were gone, the risen Jesus would care for their needs as they worked, and when they labored with Him His divine power joined to their human effort would bring success.
Why Humble Fishermen Chosen
Jesus chose humble, unlearned, working fishermen of Galilee from the lower ranks and common duties of daily life to be His co-laborers. They were men of good natural ability whose powers lay dormant until aroused by a skillful hand, sturdy and disciplined by toil and hardship, candid, fair-minded, benevolent and kind. Their lives had not been shaped by worldly customs and fashions or schooled in false traditions and erroneous customs, and they were free from love of wealth and worldly honor and from the bigotry and prejudice of the scribes and Pharisees. Because their open hearts could feel for the suffering of others and receive truth, they were humble and teachable and willing to be taught and shaped, so He could educate them, mold their character, and fit them to retain His teachings for future generations. He did not choose them for grammar or business skill, but gave them the advantage of association with Himself as a teacher greater than any the great men of the world ever had.
He passed by the learned lawyers, scribes, elders, rulers, Pharisees, rabbis, dignitaries, and rich and great men because they would not follow Him. They were exalted by worldly wisdom, learning, position, self-righteousness, praise and flattery, felt whole and sufficient in themselves with no special need of a Redeemer, and trusted human wisdom and pride of intellect. Fixed in traditions, superstitions and character, they would not become humble learners and would not receive His teachings, unlike the humble fishermen who rejoiced to be connected with Him and become co-laborers with Him. Learned and honorable people could have followed Him and used their abilities in His service, but some lacked courage to confess Him under opposition from religious and political leaders.
The choice showed no preference for ignorance and did not despise education, ignore learning, oppose learning, or condemn education. Christ, the source of knowledge, connected faithful, obedient and willing men with Himself to educate and qualify them to carry forward His work after He left, with words and deeds of far-reaching effect. The highest culture sanctified by the love and fear of God receives His approbation, and the three years of training under His own care as the most perfect educator the world has ever known could be equaled by no course of study in the schools of the rabbis or the halls of philosophy. That education in His school is higher and more far-reaching than the school of the prophets.
Trained in Christ's School
Their leaving the nets placed them at once under His refining influence for three years, with the Saviour Himself as the most perfect educator the world has ever known. That three years of training under His own care no course of study in the schools of the rabbis or in the halls of philosophy could equal in value. He took them with Him from place to place as He taught and ministered, gathering them with hundreds listening on a rock or elevated place for instruction, teaching them the Old Testament as He walked with them, and training them through close personal company and guidance. His personal way of calling them from the fishing boat to learn from Him and work with Him is the pattern for educating nurses, physicians, gospel medical missionary evangelists and young workers by living and laboring together under experienced leaders.
Being with Jesus transformed ignorant and uncultured men into men like Him in mind and character, with a boldness and excellent instruction that astonished even the enemies who had crucified Christ. He calls men from the common walks of daily toil whose powers lie dormant until aroused by a skillful hand, seeing infinite possibilities in poor men looked upon as of little value, who in His hands become precious jewels because they are willing to be shaped for His service rather than chosen for grammar or business skill. He chose these humble, faithful and obedient fishermen, connected the Source of knowledge with Himself to educate and qualify them, and made them the foundation and architects of His church to hew timber and quarry stones, not on man's foundation but on Christ the true foundation. Their discipleship meant being prepared to educate other workers and send them out from place to place into the highways and hedges to compel men to come in, rather than building fine churches and settling down over them as pastors, and the light given to them will be imparted to all who connect with God. By linking themselves daily with the Great Teacher, learning precious lessons from the Saviour and gaining knowledge from the Scriptures, men with no school learning who were not too wise in their own estimation to receive instruction from above became truly wise, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit gave them practical, saving energy to become soul-winners whose words and deeds would have far-reaching effects after He left the earth.
He sought to teach them the nature of His kingdom and mission and gave them lessons of instruction to fit them for their future duties, lessons recorded in the Word that will have weight until the end of time. Their comprehension of the things of the kingdom was limited and restrained, for they had been receiving the mixed and objectionable sayings of the scribes and Pharisees and held false beliefs, so they could not yet grasp all He wished to communicate and He had many disclosures of divine truth they were unable to hear. Learners differed under the same instruction: Judas did not let the lessons have a sanctifying influence on his heart nor bring his natural disposition under discipline, and it finally led to the betrayal of Christ, while John not only learned the lessons but put them in practice and after his Master's death stood firmly upon those principles when assailed by the enemies of truth.
Pattern for Workers Today
Their prompt, unquestioning obedience is the pattern for every minister of the gospel in doing Christ's work of going into the highways and hedges and the cities everywhere to labor for those who are ignorant and out of the way with the message of present truth. When Simon Peter and Andrew were called by the Sea of Galilee they came right to His side, presenting no whys or wherefores and obeying without questioning, and their immediate, entire consecration and harmony with Christ is the work to be carried on in the present time. Those who claim to be children of God and make such an entire consecration will be used by God to accomplish a good work with the mighty influence of God's power with them, and those who answer His call today and follow His example may bring many people to Him. Christ gathers helpers at the beginning of His ministry, and ministers are to seek out and train people who can help in their work rather than trying to do everything alone, leading souls to the Saviour with undivided interest.
Leaving the nets means those in His service separate from all business entanglements that would tarnish Christlikeness of character, bring coarseness into their lives, and hinder advancement in spiritual things. Acceptable work for God leaves no room for engrossing personal interests, large business enterprises, or speculation, because division of interest dims spiritual perception, fills mind and heart with earthly things, puts service to Christ in second place, and shapes work for God by circumstances instead of shaping circumstances to meet the demands of God. The energies and best powers of the minister belong to God for the one purpose of telling others of the Saviour and the riches of eternal life, working with hearts filled with Christlike love for souls, in all things following the Saviour's example and sharing His tender compassion and His sternness against all evil working.
When hearts are touched by His love the question of compensation is not uppermost, for it is enough to be with the Saviour, hear His words, unite with Him in His work, and rejoice to be co-workers with Christ. Peter and his companions were offered no flattering prospects in this life and no promise of gain or worldly honor, and they made no stipulation about what they should receive, obeying at once without question or hesitation and without waiting to demand a salary equal to former earnings. They left boats and nets even though some had friends dependent on them for support, without asking how they would live and sustain their families, trusting His care without fear. Afterward they could testify that they lacked nothing when sent without purse, scrip and shoes, and those who make God their strength will have clear conceptions of duty, unselfish aspirations, and a life actuated by a noble purpose that raises them above sordid motives.
The same call still comes today to His work, and Christ may call people away from their farms, businesses, or trades to warn the world and give the last note of warning to perishing souls. He calls men from the plow and from other ordinary occupations, and this calling applies to women as well as men, with true, humble workers putting God's honor and glory first. The Lord Himself still calls men as of old He called the humble fishermen, and Himself gives them instruction regarding their field of labor and the methods they should follow. He opens the understanding of those He calls, enabling them to see wondrous things in His word, and there are many ways to work for the Master, including training young people for city mission work under experienced, consecrated leaders, canvassing, evangelism and house-to-house work.
He equips those who follow without first sending them to Jewish teachers, colleges, schools or years under human tuition, for they learn by following and working with Him. When called from their nets they had no school learning and no college education, but they consecrated themselves to God daily and took hold of work where they were for those around them. By linking themselves with the Great Teacher they learned precious lessons from the Saviour and gained knowledge from the Scriptures that qualified them to speak to others of Christ. Because they were not too wise in their own estimation to receive instruction from above they became truly wise, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit gave them practical, saving energy to become soul-winners in simplicity of living and preaching. People may go directly from church to labor in God's work without having been ordained, and others must not forbid them, nor is anyone to bind himself to serve for a term of years under the direction of one group of men or in one specified branch of the Master's work, but the Lord must be given opportunity to show men their duty and to work upon their minds.
Christ's call takes precedence over agreements that bind people's work and service to human beings, and each person is to follow the work Christ appoints, leaving livelihood and former occupation at once. As the fishermen left their former work, so Brother Faulkhead left the secret society that had occupied him and devoted his talents to the work the Lord had for him. Those whose means are in banks or in speculative lines are to turn from those interests and use entrusted wealth to advance God's work of preparing a people in all parts of the world, through direct personal appeal and warning to wealthy men and women, great men and rulers, and those in the highways who have not felt responsible to the Lord.
Peter and Andrew immediately left their fishing nets when called to become fishers of men, and their response illustrates readiness to give up former work, plans and daily business in order to become His followers, join Christ, learn from Him and His methods and plans, and serve in His mission of saving souls. Christ chose humble, sturdy working men to labor with Him in the work of salvation, and humble workers who unite religion with business and willingly bear responsibility do work of lasting influence felt through eternity. Their direct commitment began their training for ministry with Him on the safe though hard and narrow path following His footsteps.