Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
—Mark 1:16-20

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Doing All Things Unto the Lord
by Jennifer Kane

By quiet shore with net in hand,
Two brothers worked at their command.
Yet from the waves a voice was heard—
A call that stirred, a mighty word.
“Come, follow Me,” the Teacher said,
“And cast your nets for souls instead.”

Some fish with line, so patient, still,
They wait for hearts to bend in will.
A word well placed, a love outpoured,
To gently guide them to the Lord.
With simple truth, both kind and true,
They lead the lost to life anew.

Some sail the deep where storms arise,
Where restless souls meet darkened skies.
Through trials fierce and tempests long,
They cast their hope, they sing their song.
With sturdy faith and gospel bright,
They call the weary to the Light.

Some wade the streams with careful grace,
Where fleeting souls dart, swift in pace.
With wisdom’s lure and Spirit’s art,
They touch the mind, they reach the heart.
No force, no weight—just truth so free,
That draws them near like drifting leaves.

Each way unique, yet all the same—
To cast, to call, to lift His name.
One casts deep, one casts wide,
One lets the river be the guide.
For fishers still, we hear His plea:
“Drop your nets, and follow Me.”

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Scriptures: Mark 1:16-20

Simon, Andrew, James, and John were not praying in the synagogue or fasting on a mountain when Jesus called them—they were at work, fishing and mending their nets. Their hands were busy with the daily grind, yet Jesus saw them, called them, and gave them a greater purpose. This reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just call people who are already doing “spiritual” work; He calls us right where we are—whether we are serving coffee, assisting customers, building homes, or teaching children.

When Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men,” He wasn’t telling them to abandon their skills but to use them for a higher calling. They were already skilled in patience, endurance, and teamwork—qualities essential for their new mission. Likewise, whatever skills we develop in our daily jobs can be used to glorify God.

A barista can serve each cup with kindness, treating every customer as Christ would.

A teacher can educate with patience, seeing students as precious in God’s eyes.

A retail worker can extend grace and joy even in difficult interactions.

A writer can use words to inspire and uplift others toward truth.

Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This means every task, big or small, can be an offering to God.

The disciples immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. This was not just about physically leaving their jobs but about surrendering their priorities to Christ. Some of us may be called to full-time ministry, but many are called to be lights right where we are. What are the “nets” we hold onto that keep us from following Jesus wholeheartedly? Fear? Comfort? The approval of others?

Jesus is calling us not just to work for a paycheck, but to see our work as a mission field. Every encounter is an opportunity to show His love, every task a chance to reflect His excellence. Whether casting nets or brewing coffee, let us do all things unto the Lord.

How can you honor God in your current job or daily responsibilities? What “nets” might God be calling you to lay down to follow Him more fully? How can your workplace be a mission field for God’s kingdom?

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Lord Good, help me to see my work as a way to serve You. Whether I am mending nets or speaking with customers, let me do all things for Your glory. May my attitude, my words, and my actions reflect Your love and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

January 29 2025