February 16: Trusting His Provision.
HIS INVITATION.
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."--Matthew 4:19
One of my most significant experiences in the Holy Land was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It felt surreal to be on the same lake that Jesus and His disciples so often crossed. And it was a treat to see fishermen at their trade, throwing the nets, just as it was done two thousand years ago. It was absolutely amazing to watch! Who would have thought that this daily task of catching fish would become a metaphor for evangelism?
Matthew narrates the call of the first four disciples as Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee, in fulfillment of the previously quoted Isaiah's prophecy (Matthew 4:15, 126). Simon, who is identified as Peter, and his brother Andrew are casting a net, "For they were fishermen" (verse 18). And Jesus extends to them what must have been a surprising invitation: "Follow Me" (verse 19). It was a rabbinic custom to have pupils follow their master, learning from him. But what is striking about Jesus' invitation is that He is the One initiating the relationship, not the other way around as was the habitual practice. Moreover, Jesus takes their occupation as fishermen and uses it as a metaphor for their future endeavors; they will be fishers of human beings! (verse 19; see Matthew 13:47, 48). I am so thankful that Jesus' call comes with the assurance that He will equip His disciples for the task: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19)). He provides what is necessary to evangelize. Going on from there, Jesus called James and John. All four of them responded immediately and decisively. They left everything (nets, boat, father; see verses 20, 22). God calls each one of us, in the midst of our ordinary tasks, and invites us to follow Him and become fishers for His kingdom. Most of us won't be asked to leave our occupations, but to rearrange our priorities. Discipleship is a reversal of values in light of Jesus' redemptive mission. May we share the amazing grace that we have found in Jesus, recognizing that He equips us for this call. It's all His grace: the salvation, the call, and the equipping. Be assured of His provision as you excitedly share the gospel!
My Response:_______________________________________________________
HIS INVITATION.
"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."--Matthew 4:19
One of my most significant experiences in the Holy Land was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It felt surreal to be on the same lake that Jesus and His disciples so often crossed. And it was a treat to see fishermen at their trade, throwing the nets, just as it was done two thousand years ago. It was absolutely amazing to watch! Who would have thought that this daily task of catching fish would become a metaphor for evangelism?
Matthew narrates the call of the first four disciples as Jesus is walking by the Sea of Galilee, in fulfillment of the previously quoted Isaiah's prophecy (Matthew 4:15, 126). Simon, who is identified as Peter, and his brother Andrew are casting a net, "For they were fishermen" (verse 18). And Jesus extends to them what must have been a surprising invitation: "Follow Me" (verse 19). It was a rabbinic custom to have pupils follow their master, learning from him. But what is striking about Jesus' invitation is that He is the One initiating the relationship, not the other way around as was the habitual practice. Moreover, Jesus takes their occupation as fishermen and uses it as a metaphor for their future endeavors; they will be fishers of human beings! (verse 19; see Matthew 13:47, 48). I am so thankful that Jesus' call comes with the assurance that He will equip His disciples for the task: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19)). He provides what is necessary to evangelize. Going on from there, Jesus called James and John. All four of them responded immediately and decisively. They left everything (nets, boat, father; see verses 20, 22). God calls each one of us, in the midst of our ordinary tasks, and invites us to follow Him and become fishers for His kingdom. Most of us won't be asked to leave our occupations, but to rearrange our priorities. Discipleship is a reversal of values in light of Jesus' redemptive mission. May we share the amazing grace that we have found in Jesus, recognizing that He equips us for this call. It's all His grace: the salvation, the call, and the equipping. Be assured of His provision as you excitedly share the gospel!
My Response:_______________________________________________________
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