Fisher of Men

"And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men'." ~ Matthew 4:19 (NASB)

The Story: In the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, I have found myself wondering if the victims are saved. Will they be spending eternity with God? I often meet people (at Target, the grocery store, the gas station, etc.) and struck up a conversation with no problem, but for some reason, I am reluctant to transition to proclaiming the Gospel or asking if they're saved or have a church home. I feel God telling me to ask, but I end the conversation without following what God is telling me to do.

The Application: In the beginning of the Book of Mark, John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, and then after John’s incarceration, believers follow Jesus as they had once followed John the Baptist. “As He [Jesus] 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.’ Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:18-20).

The Reflection: God has given us skills and gifts to do anything we please that aligns with His plan. Simon and Andrew were skilled fishermen, but when they chose to follow Jesus, they became “fishers of men,” rather than fishers of fish. One of our purposes as Christians is to be the feet and hands of Jesus Christ, evangelizing to the lost. This was the primary purpose that Jesus called the apostles, and this remains the main mission of followers of Christ. What gifts, skills, and talents has God given you that can be used to grow His Kingdom? Are you following Jesus, and using those gifts to grow His Kingdom?

The Prayer: God, help me to follow you and be a bold professor of the Gospel in order to grow Your Kingdom. Thank you for leading someone to “fish for me,” and allow me to be a “fisher of men” for Your Kingdom. Amen.

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