Day 29 - Go Fishing!

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."  Matthew 4:18-19

I like the Ancient Proverb - Give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day.  Teach a man how to fish, he'll eat for a lifetime.

It can be similar to discipleship.  Lead one man to Christ, but don't disciple him, you've led one man to Christ.  But lead a man to Christ and then disciple him and teach him how to lead others to Christ and disciple them, then we've got some mad multiplication happening in the kingdom of God.

When the disciples were called, they weren't out leisurely fishing, as you and I may do.  They were out making a living, doing what they do to feed and provide for their families.  Jesus called them to be fishers of men, an analogy they would understand.  He didn't want them throwing nets and trying to snare the fish of the water, but to cast out the Gospel message to others to "catch them up" in God's love and mercy.

Jesus wants us to live a lifestyle of evangelism, of casting our nets and catching men.  He desires that it not be a hobby that happens a few weekends over the summer, but an entire lifestyle that sweeps us up and consumes us.  We don't have to be street preachers or Bible-thumpers, we are called to love people and be Jesus with "skin on".

God is daring us to go on a permanent fishing trip...to become people who lead people to Jesus.

Today, I will lead people as God has called!