“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19
Later, when the believers were scattered by persecution, they went forth filled with missionary zeal. The last words of the Savior, bidding them teach all nations, were constantly sounding in their ears. They realized the responsibility of their work. They knew that they held in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world; and they were constrained by the love of Christ to go everywhere, breaking the bread of life to all who were in need. The Lord wrought through them. Wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.
In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. God desires that every believer shall be an executor of the Savior’s will. Every one has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. In every age God’s faithful people have been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of his name, and wisely using their talents in his service.
The unselfish labor of God’s people in ages past is to his servants today an object-lesson and an inspiration. Today, God’s chosen people are to be zealous of good works, separating from all worldly ambition, and walking humbly in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene, who went about doing good. Freed from selfishness and pride, they are to strive to honor God and to advance his work in the world. With sympathy and compassion they are to minister to those in need of help, seeking to lighten the woe of suffering humanity. As they engage in this work, they will be richly blessed, and will see souls won to the Redeemer; for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the Savior’s commission, is irresistible. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward, for by it perishing souls are saved.
… Many have seemed to lose sight of the fact that this commission was given not only to those who had been ordained to preach, but to laymen as well. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained ministry. All who receive the life of Christ are called to work for the salvation of their fellow men. (1)
Charge for the Day: The first disciples imparted sacred truth to those they met. Write down at least three ways you can be more intentional about sharing the loving truths found in God’s Word with others. Execute at least one today!
1. The Review and Herald, March 24, 1910