THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:18-22
“Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)
Have you heard the phrase ‘hook, line and sinker’?
It usually refers to someone who has been completely deceived or tricked.
Sales people also use the phrase ‘to reel in customers’.
Jesus’ analogy of fishing for people is not about deception or sales.
He is asking them to use their skills for Him, for His purpose.
And His purpose is to set people free from deception.
His purpose is to release people from the life-sucking force of consumerism.
He used other analogies: gathering sheep, taking in the harvest, sowing seed.
The point is, God wants everyone to know about, and to experience, the good news of His kingdom.
Through Jesus God is restoring His creation, His better world for all.
Through us God is getting the word out, using our skills and opportunities to reach others.
But before we can invite others, we must allow Him to train us.
“Follow me” means train with me, learn from me, imitate me, become like me.
We need to receive the gift before we can share it.
This is the heart of what it means to be a Jesus follower.
To be WITH Jesus, to become LIKE Jesus, and to go out FOR Jesus.
Have you decided to follow Jesus, to let Him train you to be His missionary?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, too many Christians accept You for salvation, not realizing that they were saved to serve, graced to go! May Your grace in my life overflow, that others may experience Your grace too!