Fishing Anyone?

When Jesus began his ministry, he did so by calling a group of men to follow him.  He also did so with a promise.  If they would come and learn his ways then he would teach them how to reconcile people to God.  Sometimes it seems as though the Church has chosen not to pay attention.  We have forgotten that before we can go out fishing we must first learn how to fish.  Here's how a lot of Christians go fishing:



The video's pretty funny, right?  I have to admit that many times I find myself in these kinds of situations.  I go out with good intentions but I forget to pay attention.  I forget to look around.  I try to work harder instead of work smarter.

When Jesus issued his summons, "Follow me," he was inviting Andrew, Simon, James, and John to spend time with him.  He was inviting them to pay attention to how he did ministry so that they could learn and grow.  Jesus never sent any of his disciples out before he had instructed them.  He never expected them to take on something that he had not already done.

I'm afraid that many times we as disciples spend more time planning and less time learning.  We spend more energy in doing and less in growing.  We like the activities, but we don't like to sit still.  On the other hand many people in the Church want to go out and fish but they are afraid.  These people feel ill-equipped and unprepared for service so they simply don't do it.

The point is that before we can go out to make disciples of all nations, we must first be a disciple.  We do that by studying Scripture (both privately and in small groups).  We grow in our relationship with God when we learn how to pray and as our prayer life matures.  We are made ready for ministry by spending time listening to sound teaching and preaching.  Our cups are filled when we allow ourselves to be formed by the Holy Spirit instead of trying to form the Spirit to our desires.

As funny as it is to watch Bill Dance try to teach fishing, it's not so funny when we are fishing for people.  Becoming a fisher of people is a massive undertaking.  But the amazing thing is that God is counting on us.  He has placed this duty and privilege in our hands.  And if we allow him to, the Father will form us and mold us into the image of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.  God has granted us the same power and authority that he gave his Son for ministry.  However, it is up to us to work with the Spirit in order to be made ready. Until next time...

+May the grace of God the Father, the love of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.





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