September 13

Fishers Of Men

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 sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matt 4:18-19 BSB

This is how Christ adapts Himself to our understanding and our hearts. He reached these fishermen with bait suited to them. Notice the unwavering certainty of His promise to make these two brothers fishers of men, casting their nets not into the waters of Galilee, but into the vast ocean of humanity. How impossible it would have been to convince Peter at that moment that within four years, he would lead three thousand souls to Christ (Acts 2:41). We never know what awaits us when we leave everything behind to follow the Master’s call in obedience!

“Follow Me!” Our Lord continues to extend this challenge (John 21:19-22). It means carrying the cross, but we must be willing to follow Christ until, like Him, we fall into the ground and die—die to our own ambitions, our desire for power and influence, our reliance on our own strengths and gifts. Only then can we make room for God to work through us. We must learn to step aside and remain hidden. The first, second, and third condition for successful fishing is to stay out of sight. The most effective way to catch men is to let the human element fade into the background, with our sole aim being to serve Christ’s purpose and glorify Him.

There must be a leaving behind of our nets and boats, and even those closest and dearest to us (Matt 4:20-23). It must have been difficult for these brothers to leave their nets and fishing to follow Christ, but His magnetic personality won them over. When we truly present the immense value of the Pearl of great price, it is not hard to persuade men to give up the lesser things of this world. Then they will gladly sell everything they have to obtain it.

Prayer

Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies,
Saviour, make us hear Thy call.
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all. Amen.