Saturday 27th March, 2021 – Catching more than Fish

18 As he was walking by the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus noticed two fishermen who were brothers. One was nicknamed Keefa (later called Peter), and the other was Andrew, his brother. Watching as they were casting their nets into the water, 19 Jesus called out to them and said, “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.” 20 Immediately they dropped their nets and left everything behind to follow Jesus.

Jesus’ bold invitation is so forthright – “Come and follow me, and I will transform you into men who catch people for God.”  Peter and Andrew were good at catching fish – it was their trade.  They knew the tides, the impact of the prevailing winds, the kinds of fish they were likely to catch.  Their fathers and grandfathers had been in the family business.  This was second nature.  I’m sure Jesus’ invitation came both as a surprise and a challenge.  I can imagine the conversation – What – you want me to give up my livelihood to do what?  Men are on the land not in the sea – and I’ve spent a lot of money resourcing and learning my trade.  After all we’re the fishermen – you’re a carpenter!

Jesus’ challenge was to learn new skills, to follow Him in His mission, not simply maintain the status quo.  To make a difference for people in eternity not simply time.  It must have been compelling – because they left their nets.

As I write this I hear the Lord upsetting my status quo – I hear Him saying ‘What will it take you follow Him and fish for men’.  I hear this for each of us reading this blog and I sense to ask you – what will you do to fish for men?

I love how Jesus makes plain He will skill us for the task – and that skilling is in following Him.  It is not a set of instructional YouTubes, it is in hearing His heart, listening well to the people He has already placed us among, loving them, sharing life with them.  I have been reading Sam Chan’s excellent book “How to Talk about Jesus – Without Being that Guy” it is inspiring, but more importantly down to earth and practical.  It will help you join Jesus in His mission of seeking and saving the lost.

As we complete these fourteen days of devotions on Evangelism I pray you have begun to see a heart change to join Jesus more readily and more effectively in His mission – the mission that cost Him His life to give us ours! Father God – send Your Spirit that we may experience Christ’s love so compelling that we can do nothing else than join Him in His mission and Your Spirit to embolden us to overcome any fears or prejudices that hold us back.  Amen

Written by Ps. Richard Botta