Psalm 103:17-18 (English Standard Version)

 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.

My view of God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting regardless of my understanding or acceptance.

Some preach that we have to accept His love offer before it is too late. That is a fatalistic view of God that might push people away, in my opinion.

My opinion carries no weight in God’s view and does not change what He thinks about me nor reduces His great love for me in the slightest.

What changes my opinion is His unfailing love that endures where others fail me.

But they are not God and neither am I.

The bible gives us limited information about the backgrounds of Jesus’ disciples.

Simon Peter – Fisherman. 

Andrew (brother of Peter) – Fisherman. 

James (son of Zebedee) – Fisherman. 

John (brother of James, son of Zebedee) – Fisherman. 

Matthew (also called Levi) – Tax collector (publican). 

Philip – No occupation stated.

Bartholomew (often identified with Nathanael) – No occupation stated.

Thomas (also called Didymus) – No occupation stated.

James (son of Alphaeus) – No occupation stated.

Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James or Lebbaeus) – No occupation stated.

Simon the Zealot (Simon the Canaanite) – Described as a “Zealot,” but no specific trade or profession is given. 

Judas Iscariot – No occupation stated 

Perhaps this is God’s way of telling us that it does not matter what we were or did before we gave up our former lives to follow Jesus.

Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.”

The only one who keeps bringing up our past is Satan and his minions.

“Get thee behind me Satan.”