"Finding Reward in Hard Work and Cooperation: Lessons Learned from Andrew and Peter on the Sea"
- Sister Janet K.
- May 27, 2024
- 2 min read
“As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.” Matthew 4:18
Jesus foresaw the future of using two men who earned their living as fishermen to demonstrate what true faith in Him would mean. Later on, in another scenario, the fishermen had been working all night throwing their nets without a single catch but when they obeyed Jesus to throw their nets onto the other side of the boat, they had a miraculous haul.
If you have ever taken a small boat out on seas that are rough and caught no fish, you can relate to Andrew and Peter. It’s a lot of work for no reward. But was there really no reward? Momentarily yes. But the reward for hard work is when we realize the work in itself is part of the blessing and reward. And working together teaches us cooperation for an end result.
God “worked” six days and on the 7th, he rested. Though God cursed man with toiling hard for Adam’s first disobedience, “God also works all things for good for those who love Him and walk according to His purpose.” He knew man needs to have purpose - a hard days work is fulfilling and the Apostle Paul has said,”Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.” Colossians 3:23-24
As the disciples followed Jesus, they learned that their “fishing for men” meant hard work. Sometimes met with a net full, others times Jesus told them “to dust off their sandals and move on” as no one was interested. Sometimes the fishing poles are empty but it is patience and persistence that is the reward and in the end, our reward is in His Kingdom for His glory and our 7th day rest.
Amen👍🙏🙏🙏
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