Thursday, August 15, 2013

#24 - why should we all go fishing?

Matthew 4:19

“Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people!”

First impressions carry a lot of weight in our culture.  When we meet someone for the first time, thoughts flood our mind.  We wonder what they are about.  We wonder why they wear what they wear and why they smell like they do.  I’m not sure about Jesus’ scent, but He made quite the first impression on a few fisherman.  He said, “Follow Me... and I will make you fish for people!”  Game changer. Shocker. I wonder if Peter asked Andrew how they were going to find nets big enough to haul in humans! 
 
You want us to fish for people...What!? 

If you and I follow Jesus, we have a new job and a new identity - fish for people.  It’s what Jesus came to earth to do.  Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

If we follow Jesus, we go after lost people.  We seek them.  We go where they go and get in places where they get.  Are you and I intentionally pulling our “boats” into contexts where wayward fish are?  Do we have relationships with people that don’t know Christ?  Following Jesus means doing what He did.  He certainly went after lost people with the message and hope of the gospel.  Let’s follow Him.

Jesus, thanks for sending fishermen after me.  Thank you for the fleet of people that told me about You, were patient with me, and showed me genuine love.  Help me be that for others today.  Give me places to fish in and maybe even a whole new spot I hadn’t thought about yet.  Please empower Candeo Church to be a mighty fleet that fish for people in the Cedar Valley.  And may many people come to faith in You, mature, and start fishing! Amen.