Before you jump to conclusions, we are not talking about human trafficking. The term "fishers of men" is a phrase used in the Bible in a positive sense. I hope I have got your attention now. Let's look together at what it means for us today.
“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 ESV
Mark 1:14-20
However, before you go any further in your reading, stop now, take out your Bible and read the passage for today.
Jesus chose his disciples. You may not have noticed, but he didn't choose them based on how well they knew the Bible, or how Pharisaical they were, how they kept the commandments, how many points they got in their high school graduation. No, Jesus chose based on a completely different criterion. That is the first encouragement for you and me. God didn't choose you because of your grades, because of your fantastic ability. So even if you find yourself unqualified for a task, the good news is that you don't have to be, because God will make you fitaccording to what he has called me to do.
But you have an important part to play in the story. We read that when Jesus called them away, they left their nets IMMEDIATELY followed him. And here the emphasis is on the immediate, that is, they obeyed Jesus' call. If Jesus calls you to do something, He makes you able to do it, but you must obey His call.
He may not be calling you to be a missionary to Korah in the North, he may be entrusting you to your co-worker or neighbour to evangelise them. God doesn't call everyone to Africa or to be a pastor, but He does call everyone to be a fisher of men.
Giving up everything for Jesus
The reaction of the students is very interesting. It says that Simon and Andrew left the nets and immediately followed Jesus. But to that you can say they were so irresponsible as to leave their livelihood business. How are they going to provide for their families? It is a difficult thought, but God expects total commitment from you. If he calls you to a ministry, he doesn't want you to deal with it when you have a free moment in your life. No, He asks you to trust Him and serve Him with all your heart, all your mind, and all your strength. And how interesting, not once in the Bible do we read that Simon and Andrew's family went hungry because God provided for them. God will provide for you and your family. If He calls you to a task, to a ministry, put 100% of your 100% and God will put 100% of His 100% on it. Trust Him.
But it's very important that Simon and Andrew obeyed Jesus' call and left their jobs. Not because it was hard, not because the circumstances were negative, not because they wanted to be bakers, but because God was calling them. If you leave your job because of your own excuses, don't expect God to provide for you and your family. It doesn't work that way. Listen to God's leading.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he gave everyone an important command:
„And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 ESV
The command was not just for the disciples, it was for everyone, you and me. Are you ready to share the Gospel with whom God leads? Are you ready to be a fisher of men?
Reflective questions
- Do you know what God has called you to do? There is no chair warming ministry in the church. Every Christian person has a role in the body of Christ. What is yours? If you think you are not doing anything, pray to God, ask Him what He wants you to do.
- Are you obeying God's call, or are you making excuses like Moses at the bush? Believe God is stronger, but He will not force you to do anything. However, if you are not obedient, you will miss out on all the blessings God has in store for you during this ministry. Trust Him, obey Him.
- What is the gospel? Summarise it in your mind so that when you have the opportunity you can share it whenever you want.
Once again, you will have a week to reflect on this passage. What kind of fisherman are you? How many people have been saved by you? Practice this week, commit yourself to God and God will make you fit for all that He has called you to do.
Judit
If you have any stories to share with us related to the above, please contact us.
If you have any questions about today's passage, please feel free to contact us. Have a blessed week.