Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:18-20)
I doubt whether Peter and Andrew understood what they were getting into. Jesus’ words were so simple that they appeared insignificant, perhaps unimpressive. It was enough to go and find out more about this fascinating man who spoke so well and had turned a wasted night of fishing into a record breaker.1
When we really listen to Jesus’ words, they whisper an implied small-print of details. The details apply to every one of us that has set out after Jesus:
- Jesus calls us to Himself. If you merely signed onto a church membership list, joined a global movement, or subscribed to a religious philosophy, think again. Out in front of all those crowding extras is a man called Jesus. He led the way in living life to the full as it can only be lived in relationship with God, our heavenly Father. It is Jesus we follow. Unless we know His voice, we will quickly wander away.
- Jesus promises to change you and I. No matter how well-formed or how damaged we are, Jesus makes us new. We are not required to change before we follow Him. Trying to change ourselves is never sufficient. Jesus takes every life and breathes in His supernatural life.
- Jesus’ objective for us is the most fulfilling and wholesome life for everyone. In our unredeemed condition we think that fulfillment lies in getting our goals met. Whether they are goals of pleasure, profit, or power, they focus on ME. In reality, those objects never satisfy. Following Jesus leads to multiple blessings. When we serve His goals we bless Him and other people, and we find satisfaction too. Jesus recruits us as fishers of men. Catching people into His kingdom brings glory to Him, it transforms their lives, and the results satisfy us.
Please share these Bible devotionals with others who might be blessed.
- Luke 5:1-11 [↩]
I finally ordered my copy of Name Quest from Amazon and am enjoying it immensely! It is definitely a tool of the transformation of which this article speaks.
Thanks Gaylene for the comment and for ordering. I am hoping I might be able to come down to LC and speak at the Vineyard sometime. Tom has been reading The Name Quest but I know he has stepped down as pastor.