Jacob Davis was a tailor with a problem. It was the height of the Gold Rush in the 1800s American West and the gold miners work pants kept wearing out. His solution? Davis went to a local dry goods company owned by Levi Strauss, purchased tent cloth, and made work pants from that heavy, sturdy materialand blue jeans were born. Today, denim jeans in a variety of forms (including Levis) are among the most popular clothing items in the world, and all because tent material was given a new purpose.
Simon and his friends were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Then Jesus arrived and called them to follow Him. He gave them a new purpose. No longer would they fish for fish. As Jesus told them, Come, follow me, . . . and I will send you out to fish for people (Mark 1:17).
With this new purpose set for their lives, these men were taught and trained by Jesus so that, after His ascension, they could be used by God to capture the hearts of people with the message of the cross and resurrection of Christ. Today, we follow in their steps as we share the good news of Christs love and salvation.
May our lives both declare and exhibit this love that can change the lives, purposes, and eternal destinies of others.
In ancient cultures, the family relationship was more than a heritage; it was an identity. The family business wasnt simply a way to earn a living; it was a commitment to family. This cultural setting shows two surprising aspects to Jesuss call of His disciples. First, the authority and absoluteness of Jesuss call. He calls these men to accept an immediate, complete, and permanent change of life and an entirely new destiny. Jesuss call to discipleship trumps even the closest relationships (see Mark 10:2930). Second, the immediate and unquestioning response of the disciples. At once can also be translated immediately. These men left father and business to follow Jesus with no hesitation.