Tag: fish for men
Fishing for men?
Scripture reading for January 6: Matthew 4
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He 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.” Matthew 4:17-20
Jesus loved to challenge the world-views of those He came in contact with. His preaching message was a call to change minds, hearts, and actions: “Repent!” This was not something in the future Jesus was speaking about. In His own Life was the immediate presence of the kingdom of heaven and He was the King! Matthew, who himself had repented and followed Jesus, recorded Jesus’ call to follow given to two ordinary fishermen who were busy casting a net in a family fishing business. These young men heard the call of Jesus and had to adjust their thinking from catching fish to catching men with a Gospel net! I am sure that they did not understand all that would be required of them. But child-like faith to fearlessly respond to Jesus’ new challenge to their calling brought them into a new life and eternal rewards!
I had this call in my life as well. I was a successful farmer raising crops, cattle and pigs when Jesus reaffirmed His call to me to preach His Word. I chose to ‘repent’ and follow, not knowing all that would be required. My ‘immediate’ response took several years, but following Jesus Christ has totally expanded my world and enriched my life beyond measure! I am thankful for His patience and gentleness!
Have you heard the call of Jesus to repent and follow? What response have you given Him? How does your present world-view help or hinder you from responding immediately?
Prayer: Father, thank You for expanding my world-view from my own selfish interests to see Your plan tor reach all people with the Good News of a Savior Jesus Christ and eternal life. Teach me how to fish for men and guide me each day to the best fishing spots. Amen.
Fishermen, Fishing for Men!
Scripture reading for March 21st: Luke 4:31-5:11
I like to fish when the fish are biting! I hate fishing when all I do is set there and wait with no results! It seems like a waste of time! I have gone fishing numbers of times and caught nothing! I must be God’s gift to fish! However, there is another kind of fishing that never gets boring! This kind of fishing involves the biggest catch of all! Jesus recruited three of His original disciples from the ranks of fishermen to become fishers of men!
In today’s reading, Luke tells the story of Jesus using Simon Peter’s fishing boat as a platform to preach and teach from. The fishermen had toiled all night and were washing their nets as Jesus asked to use their boat. When Jesus was finished teaching, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4-9) These seasoned fishermen did not think that Jesus knew what He was talking about because they had worked all night and caught nothing! But because He asked them to, they obeyed and were overwhelmed with a net-bursting catch! They filled both boats so full that they began to sink!
When Peter saw the miraculous catch, he fell at Jesus’ feet and was apologetic for his unbelief! “Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”” (Luke 5:10b-11) The three fishermen dropped everything and left it all to follow Jesus!
Jesus had a plan to catch men for the kingdom of Heaven. He would find men and women who would be willing to follow Him by faith and learn of Him. His ways were different from the world. He took a simple fishing boat and made it a place to preach from. He took simple fishermen and taught them to fish for men! They must be willing to leave their ways and work and follow Him in His way and work! He calls, and they must decide to follow!
Have you heard the call of the Master Fisher of Men? Have you given Him your ‘boat’ to use? Have you come humbly to Him and confessed your sinfulness? Are you willing to leave all to follow Him and learn how to fish for men? The path to the biggest catch of your life will be determined by your response!