Tuesday, April 13, 2021
As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." (Mark 1:16-17)
Becoming Fishers of Men
Following Jesus will change your priorities because we are now a part of His mission plan. As Jesus called each one of His disciples there was only one thing they knew for sure...they were going to follow Jesus. There was no course syllabus, there were no identifiable outcomes, and there was no “double-your-money-back guarantee.” All they knew was they trusted Him and were willing to go where He led. How simple is that?
Peter, Andrew, James and John were by vocation fishermen. The day Jesus came calling they were busy with the ordinary things that kept them in business…casting or caring for their nets. It was what they were comfortable with. I doubt they ever dreamed of leaving the family business. But when Jesus came calling to be the leader of their lives, all of a sudden their business was not as important. They dropped their nets and followed.
So, when we follow Jesus, where does He lead us? He leads us to people...
Mark 1:23 there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit;
Mark 1:30 Simon's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they spoke to Jesus about her.
Mark 1:34a And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons;
When we follow Jesus He leads us not to another place but to another person. Jesus says I will make you...I will cause you...to become fishers of men.
Christ will lead us out of our comfort zones into new areas of ministry in the body of Christ. Jesus "yearned" to touch people. He was passionately consumed with the needs of others and He leads whoever follows Him to also "yearn" to reach out to people in their plights.
Jesus leads those who follow Him to touch the lives of people. These first followers were led immediately to begin confronting and meeting needs of others. If we fail to make people the business of Jesus, we fail to follow our Leader. Being in the way with Jesus always leads to people. Jesus also leads us to people who will pray, learn and serve alongside us. What would have brought a tax-collector, some fishermen, and others of the twelve together had it not been for Jesus? Look at our congregation. Educators, bankers, accountants, law enforcement, small business owners, corporate executives, ranchers, aerospace engineers, city employees, homemakers, horse breeders, etc. Why would we meet together if it was not for Jesus?
The promise of God to be with us when we go and to speak through us when we speak is all that is required for boldness. Many an individual who thought they could never speak in public teach the Word of God today with boldness. Many who felt they could not face people who were sick are praying and counseling cancer patients. Many who thought missions was for missionaries are today on mission for Christ. Jesus as the Leader of our lives has a distinct purpose to it…"I will make you become fishers of men."
Jesus has placed people in our way today so we who have His heart can be His hands of healing and love.
