Fishing for people - the line that saves.
Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Matthew 4:19
The ministry of Jesus has begun and on this very day the first disciples are found. Ordinary brothers - Peter and Andrew - are found on the shore fishing for a living. Another set of brothers, James and John, along with their father, are also found repairing nets in their boat. Jesus calls out to them offering a walk away from the lives they know to follow Him."And they left their nets at once and followed Him." Without even a second thought, Peter, Andrew, James and John leave everything (including a father) to follow Jesus. That is one true step of faith from each of them and we see now the glorious result of it!
But what is more beautiful about this is the way in which they are called. Peter and Andrew are fishermen and they know that this skill they have will feed them and support their homes. But Jesus says I will show you how to fish for people. Jesus is calling these brothers to turn away from fishing for themselves and rather for people. Jesus is giving them a chance to not just fish for fish but rather to "fish" for people. He gives them a choice to follow Him and serve others, or stay stuck in a boat waiting for fish to take the bait. We also see here that Jesus does not offer "bait" to Peter and Andrew in which by following Him they will gain some kind of recognition. Jesus simply says that by following Him they will learn how to fish for people. Little did they know Who they were following and the life-fulfilling choice they were making. How awesome!
Fast forward to the present. Today our lives are so busy and much of our time is taken by work, school and daily living. The world loves only themselves and their money (2 Timothy 3:2). As Christians, we need to follow Jesus and make Him our Leader wherever He takes us. Along the way we will serve people, hence fish for people, because He lives in us and through us He can live! Our lives are constantly growing and shaping into the way Jesus wants when we follow Him. Our obedience to His Word teaches us how to fish for people. We cannot fish when we don't know how to. That is why when Jesus is our leader, and we have faith to follow, He teaches us all we need to know.
So let us look deeper into what it means to fish for people. Error lies when preaching the Good News is a dutiful task. Yes, we must preach the Good News to all we know for we have been called to carry out this ministry Jesus has given us. "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Matt 28:19. But are we fishing people or are we fishing for people. There's that difference. Because we are all equal, all sinners, and all in desperate need of a Saviour, we need to humble ourselves first before God and obey His Word so that our lives reflect His goodness and faithfulness. It is God's work within us that enables His love and His light to shine out of us. So that when we fish for people, we are offering honourable and blameless lives to others. We live lives according to God's Word which is perfect, holy and righteous.
So you see - when we follow Jesus we are fishing in the ocean of God's heart. We are holding the line given to us by Jesus that reels in hope, love, forgiveness, mercy and grace. We are holding the line that promises salvation, victory and eternal life! In turn, while we fish here on this earth we can share what we have caught with others. We share this Love that is unconditional. We share this Joy that refreshes every dull area in life. We share this Faith that opens our eyes to see the God Who created the universe and Who wants to know our name. We share in this confident Hope found in Jesus that washes us clean from sin and makes us blameless in the sight of God. How life-fulfilling it is to know that I don't have to fish in this world to satisfy the temporary desires I have. I fish in the Ocean offered by God that satisfies every desire, every question and every longing I have because I know that He is enough. He is Who I follow! He is where my trust lies because I have witnessed the death and resurrection of His Son through my faith! Open your heart and see that He is good and worthy of all praise! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Come to know the Father Who cares about you!
Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Who knew fishing could be that amazing?! God knew and He knows that He is all you need. Take heart, friend, in the One and only God who loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. I pray this encouraged you and your Walk with Christ. Remember to keep doing good, keep praying and keep seeking Jesus' heart. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to go fishing!
Thank You Lord for Your Son, Jesus, that has revealed to us Your grace, love and heart. Lord, we honour Your Name and the life of Your Son for it has been given to us by Your love. Thank You Lord for teaching us how to fish by revealing Your Word to us as we seek You wholeheartedly. May Your Name be glorified in all of heaven and earth! Amen.
I've never ever thought of it that way! How we live our lives fishes for people