Matthew 4:18 -20 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.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Peter and Andrew were fishermen by trade. Often, they fished in boats, and used various types of nets and hooks. On this particular day, they were standing on shore and casting a net into the water, then drawing the net back in to shore. The Greek word for this type of fishing net was amphiblestron, from which we get our word amphibian. Part land, part water.
Jesus told them to leave their nets behind to become fishers of men. In other words, he said, “I’ll teach you to do the same thing you’ve been doing, only with people instead of fish.” During the next few years, Jesus trained his disciples to draw people in to His message of love and peace and salvation. But in order to do so, they had to be amphibious.
In the same way, Jesus has called each of us. He wants his disciples to make disciples, and those disciples to make disciples, and so on. But in order to do that, we have to be amphibians, as well.
Now, you may be scratching your head, thinking I’ve lost my marbles. But think about it, friends. Sometimes, we Christians want to bury ourselves in church life, barricading ourselves completely within the community of believers. We attend our Bible studies and our worship services. We have our Christian Ladies’ Teas, and our Charity Bake-a-thons. And that’s all well and good. But we won’t reach anybody new if we stay within our comfy community.
Other times, we choose to leave our Christian surroundings and immerse ourselves in the world. Here, things can get a little fishy. If we aren’t careful, we’ll end up swimming and partying and having a grand old time – but ironically, we will end up feeling dry and parched. For there is no lasting peace, except with Christ.
So, we must be fishermen like Peter and Andrew. We must keep one foot on land and one foot in the water. We must constantly try to throw out the net – and to do so, we might get a little wet. But the goal is to draw people to Christ. To be fishers of men.
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him, they obeyed immediately. He is calling you and me, as well. And like Peter and Andrew, we must immediately obey. Otherwise, the opportunity may pass us by.
Dear Father, I want to follow You. I want to bring others to You.
Amen
For a second cup, see: Mark 1:16 – 18; Luke 5:2, 10 – 11; John 1:42; Mark 10:28
***Note: Thank you so much for all of your prayers for my dad. The biopsy has been moved to Thursday, September 11.
Dear Renae,
I do agree. It is difficult to be in the world, but not of the world.
Charity Bake-a-thons, whatever that must be, does not seem to be my way of serving God.
Having my daily Manna at your coffee shop on the other hand, is a delightful, inspiring experience.
I used to have my Bible lying on my nightstand. Now it’s here right by my lap top in the kitchen.
I am praying for your Dad. Waiting on such important examinations; that’s just awful. I know from experience.
Let’s hope that God needed that time to heal what’s wrong with your Dad, that they may find nothing.
We have seen quite some wonders this summer, baby Chloe, young Cole, also with a healed liver and his granddad Ron, recovering after a bad infection.
Not bad to be tiny servants of God Almighty.
From Felisol
“Not bad to be tiny servants of God Almighty.”
I love that quote, Felisol! And I’m so glad you shared about your Bible at your computer in your kitchen. Now I can really picture you! 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. You’re right, waiting is the worst. But God knows what He’s doing, right? Thanks for reminding me of what God has done recently.
Love,
Renae
Thanks, Renae, for this meaningful analogy. I’m sharing this with the ladies in my Bible class.
Peace and joy, dear sister.
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
Hi Jean! That really struck a chord with me. Let me know what your ladies think! 😉
Yes, it is a fine line to walk, being in the world but not of it. I know we need God’s wisdom to even begin to do it.
Thinking of you and praying for you all often…
I liked the way you wrote about how we should instead totally be in one place and leaving the other side of us out, that we have to have a foothold in both the land and water.
Drawing men to Christ. Amen!
Renae,
This is a great analogy—a new perspective for me.
Praying for a good report for your dad.
You’re right, Jeanette! God’s wisdom is the key to knowing how best to reach out.
Daniel – drawing others in to Christ is so important, isn’t it? And you are doing exactly that with your blog. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Lillie! It looks like we were online at exactly the same moment . . . lol! 😉 I appreciate your prayers.
Dear Renae,
I do hope that you are not being ill or anything like that.
You always post so very regularly, I tend to worry when you are not there.
Oh, I do not want to burden you when heavy expectations, just my natural worrying.
I’ll pray and extra turn both for you and your dad.
I’m truly aware of that behind your Bible preaches are far more work and studying than average blogging.
It must need a lot of time, concentration and inspiration.
I have become spoiled by my daily morning coffee hour here, that’s the thing.
We could all do well in rereading your earlier writings.
Lots and lots of good stuff there, strong brewed spiritual coffee.
Bless you, Renae
From Felisol
Hi Felisol! Thanks so much for the thoughts and prayers! Please keep them coming!
No, I’m not ill. Just snowed under with all sorts of deadlines and responsibilities, so I decided to cut back to two – three times a week for a while. But I miss it too! Before long, I will be back to posting every day. I promise. 😉
Thank you for missing me, for missing the studies! It always feels good to be loved and missed.
Bless you, Felisol!
Your dad and family have my prayers! I’m actually going to be at Eucharistic Adoration for an hour tonight – so I’m bringing focused prayer to Jesus . . . everyone’s intentions. God bless!
Thank you, Sarah!