A New Family

As He was passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, Simon's brother. They were casting a net into the sea, since they were fishermen.
"Follow Me," Jesus told them, "and I will make you fishers for people."
Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on a little father He saw James, the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in their boats mending their nets. Immediately as He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him. Mark 1:16-20

Jesus begins to collect His disciples, He is ready to impart the Kingdom to these young men and show them how the Father loved His people and wanted to reach them. Jesus grew up in Cana, around 10 kilometres from the Sea of Galilee. Did he know these men? did his family go to the Sea of Galilee for outings, did they meet on the annual treck to Jerusalem? Or were they complete strangers?

These men were the core group of the disciples.mwhat made them special? Something made them special, I wonder what it was? Was it the character of the fishermen? I know that even in Sydney in two areas: a The North Shore and The Northern Beaches, only 10-20 kilometres apart, the people are vastly different. The people from the beaches are laid back, easy going, and the people from the Northh Shore more stuck up and socially oriented. The people from the beaches live in more valuable property than the Norh Shore, yet they are easy going and don't care for social position.

Perhaps this was the case here. I know which I would prefer, I loved the beaches area and the people. Whatever the reason, Jesus chose them. Did the Father direct His choice?

What makes us choose people for a team, for employees? As friends? I know I am learning to lay aside all preferences and look below the surface. When it comes to friends at church, I am having to settle and allow God to open doors. In the country people have their friends and family and a newcomer has to prove themselves to belong. I am having to turn up, be involved and be friendly. I invite people over for lunch and still that is not enough. Time is needed. Some places are more open than others.

My nature is inclined to be impatient and so I am practising patience. As I do I am enjoying belonging and the people I find. God has a place for all of us, we have to be patient and trust we are in the right place even though it is tough.

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