Thought of the Day !!

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."  Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
                                                             Matthew 5:18-20 (ESV)

Jesus calls all disciples to become fishers of men (women and children).  But the real question is, “What will be our response?”  Many people’s response to follow Jesus and become fishers of people will be “no”.  It’s too hard giving up some of those nets we hold so dear.  Some simply won’t let go of the nets of prejudice.  They believe that those whom we’re called to reach out to are not worthy.  Just like Jonah, they run from the call of evangelism because deep down they don’t like the people whom they’re called to witness to.

Others will say no because their net is the net of fear.  It could be dangerous to go where those people are whom Jesus is sending us to.

Another net is the one of doubt.  They doubt their abilities, therefore they doubt that God can actually use them.

The second response is “maybe later”.  This is the response of procrastination. Many aren’t ready to give up their lifestyles for the sake of the call just yet.  Many are waiting till they have more money or the kids are out of school or they retire etc. In other words, they're looking for just the right time, which will probably never come.

Many, thankfully, respond with “Yes Lord, send me.”  These are the people who truly have a heart for Jesus, whose lives have been impacted so much by Him that they simply cannot say “no”.  Those who say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll follow you wherever you ask me to go”, do so out of gratitude for the one who saved their lives.

What is your answer going to be?  Will you say no, with words or with your lack of action?  Will you refuse to give up your nets?  Or will you say “Maybe later”?  Will you procrastinate?  Or is it time to let go of whatever may be holding you back and just go for it?  Give God a chance to do something new and exciting in you…with you.

Becoming fishers of people means spreading the gospel with our actions and our words and our whole lives.  Isn't it about time we all went fishing?

In the love of Christ,
greg