Scripture:
Matthew 4:18-22 NKJV
[18] And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. [19] Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [20] They immediately left their nets and followed Him. [21] Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother, in the boat with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets. He called them, [22] and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
Observation:
Jesus had just been baptized, taken into the wilderness, and tested by the enemy. Now, it was time to get to work walking by the sea of Galilee. HE sees HIS first 2 disciples. Peter and Andrew, they had more than likely pushed out a short distance to get the day of work started. Casting a net into the sea to catch fish. I don’t know how long the LORD watched them or how determined they looked as they cast the net, but something about them caught HIS eye, and HE knew they would have to be a part of what was about to take place. Calling them to HIM. HE said something that probably caught their ear. Follow Me… and I will make you fishers of men. I could see the conversation start between Simon Peter and his brother… what does that mean? How do you catch a man? … forget how to catch one, bro… what do you do with them after you do? Regardless of what they were thinking, they could see that Jesus was not like anyone else they had ever met, and they laid down their old way of life and followed HIM. As the 3 of them walked a little further down the shore, Jesus saw 2 more men. James and John, who just so happened to be brothers as well. Calling them to HIM to follow, they left their father in the boat to mend the nets and laid down their old way of life, and followed Jesus. They didn’t question HIM they just dropped everything and followed. To them, it didn’t matter where they were going they just knew that Jesus was not like anyone they had ever met, and they wanted to be around HIM and learn how to… “Fish for men.” The concept was foren to them. But whatever it was had to be worth it.
Application:
One of the best moments in my life is watching someone who has just been called to follow Jesus cone to life. You can see the fire in their eyes and the passion in the way they speak about HIM. They are not sure what happened, but they know that they are just not the same as they were. Let me ask you something. Have you ever seen a wild fire? They spread so rapidly that they can hardly be contained. That’s what I see in the eyes of someone who has just come to christ. They have been called to tell others about the transformation that has been made in their lives. Changes are happening so rapidly that they can’t help but tell everyone. I love watching it. To be honest, it’s what keeps the fire burning in me. Seeing others find the same peace that I found in christ Jesus. It’s what drives me to keep putting a line in the water. The Bible says that we will do even greater works than what christ HIMSELF had done. So let me connect you to your purpose. You… just like I…. have been canned to fish for men. Everyone needs Jesus, and HE did not go out of HIS way so that you could go to church. How that is where you get the right fishing equipment. That’s where you learn how to… “Fish for men.” Your relationship with Jesus matters. When it is attractive, others will want to know what happened and how your life changed so dramatically. At one point in life, I was lost. I was a very hatefilled person. I had tattoos all over my body that promoted hate and was part of a brotherhood that did the same. In the last several years, I have covered up the one on my neck that drew the biggest line between me and others who need Jesus just as much as I do. My belief had changed. A relationship with Jesus has shown me that love is the bate. GOD has made every one of us, and HE is calling all of us to a relationship with HIM. So let me let you in on a little secret. If you are wondering what your calling is… if there are some questions in your mind as to why Jesus Christ HIMSELF has called you. Let me clear it up. It’s time to go fishing. You are called to multiple the kingdom. HE has placed a light inside of you that others need to see. It’s a light that shines through your eyes when you speak to them about how your life has changed. Fishing is interesting. When you go fishing, you have to know just what kind of fish you are trying to catch. In other words, what they are interested in. A fish is not always going to bite on a worm. Some of them you have to have a fancy lure, something shiny that is eye-catching. Some you catch with a net, and some with a pole. Over the years, I have found that people want to see a real relationship with Jesus. Live it out loud, let your light shine. Love those whom GOD has placed right next to you. Love multiples love. My challenge to you today is that you show someone the love of Jesus. Go fishing. Multiple the kingdom it’s what you are called to do
Prayer:
Father, here we are. Our hearts have been changed by an encounter with you. Teach us what to do with that. Show us how to multiply your kingdom. Expand the territory of the kingdom today. I know that is your plan. I know that you are not slack in your promise, but that you are longsuffering. Hoping all will see your love for them and repent. Father, your word tells us that today is the day of salvation. We know that you have set up a divine appointment for each of us today. Let us not miss it. Let the light that you have placed in us shine so bright that others will see what you have done and be drawn to you. Give us the words to say that will show the same love that christ Jesus showed on the cross. You are our LORD and our KING, and we want to follow you. Teach us to be fishers of men. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen