Rippling waves gently lapped against the boat. The low hum of the trolling motor drew my attention away from my book as Dad maneuvered the boat along the shore. I squinted through the bright sunlight and watched as he cast his fishing line into the water. He slowly reeled it back in, luring the hungry bass with his bait. Sometimes he met with success, but mostly it was a waiting game.
Jesus began choosing His twelve disciples at the Sea of Galilee. Peter and his brother Andrew, both fishermen by trade, were casting nets into the water. Jesus called out to them, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Through following Jesus during His ministry, these two disciples learned to lure men to God with the “bait” of the Gospel.
Jesus trained seventy others to go two by two into towns and cities ahead of Him, preparing hearts to hear His message. Then, before He ascended into heaven, He gave the Great Commission: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
God wants to use believers to spread His Word. He even expects us to spread His Word. Even if our spiritual gift is service, the command to teach the Gospel through both evangelism and discipleship still applies to us. It’s a matter of urgency. Many people here and around the world are dying without even hearing the Good News.
How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how
shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except
they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach
the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. Romans 10:14-16
After my dad retired, he devoted his time to reading and understanding God’s Word. He joined a discipleship group and studied how to disciple other men in the faith, then went out and did it. Now, in addition to being a sport fisherman, he is truly a fisher of men. I’m blessed to have his example to follow.
How can we become fishers of men in our everyday lives? Who in our lives needs to hear the Good News from us? Do we need training before we go out and teach? Spend some time in prayer to figure out where and how God is asking you to cast your line.
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff
P.S. Happy Birthday, Dad!