Scripture:
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
Reading:
Peter and John were fishermen. Imagine them as little boys, knee-high to their fathers, pretending to tie knots onto fishing lines. Or as skinny preteens, all knees and elbows, struggling to keep their balance while heaving heavy nets overboard. Fishing on the Sea of Galilee was a part of their daily lives and became second nature to them.
But God gives His children something better than a second nature. He gives all who place their lives in His hands a new nature (Ephesians 4:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17). When we are born again, Christ begins shaping us little by little as we grow and learn at His side.
“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-22)
Peter and John knew the rhythm of casting and pulling, trusting the weight of the net and the lead sinkers to do their work. But Jesus called them away from the ordinary. He invited them to a new way of life; to fish for people, drawing others into the reality of God's kingdom.
That same invitation is ours. Not just to follow His teachings, but to accompany Jesus, letting His Spirit guide us. God's heart is for every one of His children to grasp the message and activity of God’s Kingdom.
Like Peter and John, the only way to overcome timidity and to experience freedom from the ordinary is to be with Jesus. As you spend time with Christ in His Word and prayer, trust the Holy Spirit to teach you what to do and give you the boldness to do it - as if it were second nature. God delights in granting common people uncommon boldness to His glory.
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)
Your Turn:
1. What does it mean to you that Peter and John are described as “ordinary men” in Acts 4:13? How does that encourage you in your own walk with Jesus?
2. If someone observed your life, would they be able to tell that you have been with Jesus? What might that look like in your words, actions, or attitude?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to be Your child through faith in Jesus Christ. Please call me out of the ordinary and grace me with uncommon boldness to envelop people in the reality of Your Kingdom. Amen.