FISHERS OF MEN

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. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  (Matthew 4:18-19 NKJV)

It is true that Christ adapts Himself to the understanding and the heart. He caught these fishermen with bait suited to them. Notice the undoubting certainty of His promise to make these two brothers fishers of men, casting their drag net not into the waters of the sea of Galilee, but into the great ocean of humanity. How impossible it would have been to convince Peter then that within four years he would make the great haul of three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).  We never know what awaits us when we leave all to follow in obedience to the Master's Call!

"Follow Me!" Our Lord is always making this challenge (John 21:19-22). It means bearing the cross, but we must be willing to follow Christ until, like Him, we fall into the ground and die, die to our own ambitions, our love of power and influence, our own strength and gifts, that we may make way for God to work through us. We must learn not to project ourselves, but to lie hidden. The first, the second, and the third condition of successful fishing are to be hidden from sight. The best line and bait for catching men are those where the human element is out of sight, and our one aim is to serve Christ's purpose, and to glorify Him.

There must be a leaving of our nets and boats, and even those who are nearest and dearest (Matthew 4:20-23). It must have been a hard decision for these brothers to leave their nets and fishing to follow Christ. But the attraction of His personality prevailed. There is no difficulty in persuading men to surrender the lower and inferior article, if you can unfold to them the immense value of the Pearl of great price. Then they will gladly sell all that they have….to buy it.

PRAYER

Jesus call us: by Your mercies,

Savior, make us hear Your call.

Give our hearts to Your obedience,

To serve and love You best of all.

In Your name I ask it, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #225:
Forgiveness and healing are among My many benefits.

Psalm 103:2-3 (WEB)
2 Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits; 
3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases;