In Matthew 4:18-20, Jesus calls the first disciples saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What exactly does it mean to be a fisher of men?  This was a new task that Jesus gave the disciples. I thought the best way to look at this was something Darrell Robinson shared in his book People Sharing Jesus:

“Now, it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And lo, there were many fish in the waters all around, and in fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry. Week after week, month after month and year after year, those who call themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish and how they might go about the task of fishing. Year after year, they carefully defined what fishing means, they defended fishing as an occupation and they declared that fishing is always to be the primary task of a fisherman.”

“They engaged in all kinds of other occupations. Some felt their job was to relate to the fish in a good way, so the fish would know the difference between a good and a bad fisherman. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were nice, land-loving neighbors and how loving and kind they were surely enough. Now, it’s true that many fishermen sacrificed. They put up with all kinds of difficulties and some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish every single day. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen, yet they never fished. Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who don’t fish were really not fisherman at all. No matter how much they claimed to be, yet it did sound correct. Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never fishes? Or more plainly stated, is one really following if he isn’t fishing?”

We can fall into that pattern, he talks more about them looking at new patterns and techniques, sometimes spending expensive money on tools. Which there is nothing wrong with training or tools to help us witness, but that is all they focus on. They never went fishing. The question to ponder is, are we truly a fisherman if we never have gone fishing? I know it’s scary to go out there and witness, but we must remember we are called to do so. I personally know I can fail with this. I look at all the tools and education I have from learning to be a fisherman but fail to actually go fishing. I guess I am saying something Jason Gaston would say at Summit to the Student Leaders and Students there, “It is time for us to get off the sidelines and stop cheering and start fishing. Start moving the ball down the court.”

We ask that you continue to find ways to invest in your one. For us to get in the boat, and start fishing. We have the tools, let’s use them.

Pray: Lord, as you called the first disciples to be a fisher of men, I know that too is my call from you. Father, I ask you to help me have the courage and boldness to go out there and fish. There are many fish, but truth be told it can be terrifying. Give me the courage to go fishing. Also, help guide me to throw the net on the correct side where the net is so full it is breaking. Father, guide my steps. Thank you for the tools you have given me in the past. Help me to go out there and use them. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Thank you,

Jessica