Today’s Scripture
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishers. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
Today’s Devotional
Anyone who knows me knows I love to fish. Especially fly fish. There’s nothing like being in the rivers of Colorado or Montana. They are simply majestic. It’s God’s best work, in my opinion. There’s nothing like standing in a flowing river and feeling the current. It’s a clear reminder of the movement of God’s life-giving spirit in our lives.
There is so much in common between fly fishing and ministry. Somewhere in my notes I have a list of 101 ways that ministry and fly fishing are alike. One of the ways is an important part of casting. If you’ve seen “A River Runs Through It,” you’ve seen Brad Pitt beautifully casting his fly to the perfect spot. In your cast, it’s so important how you present your fly in the water. Even though your cast has some momentum in it, you want your fly to land softly and as naturally as possible. You want the fish to think it’s a fly landing on the water. In ministry, it’s so important how we present the gospel in a natural and authentic way. We want it to look as much like Christ as possible.
Jesus called Peter and Andrew to come follow him and that he would make them fishers of people. They understood fishing, therefore they understood becoming fishers of people. They at least understood that their mission would involve going out for the fish. Going to where the fish lived. Presenting something that was meaningful and appetizing. I resonate with the disciples in this story. Jesus’s invitation is compelling because he is speaking my language.
As followers of Christ, we are all called to be fishers of people. Some will be bait-casters, others like to just drop a line with a bobber on top. Or maybe you like to fly fish too. Some present the gospel through sharing a loaf of bread or welcoming a stranger into church. Some present the gospel by building a Habitat House with a soon-to-be homeowner. Some share the gospel by teaching the stories of Jesus, while others embody Christ by sitting and listening to someone with a broken heart. Each has a particular spiritual gift to present the gospel in a natural and authentic way.
How might you live out being a fisher of people today? How might you present the gospel in a way that is natural and compelling?
I always practice catch and release when fly fishing. I gather the fish and then set them free. Seems to me that’s what the gospel does as well.
Jesus said come follow me and I will make you fishers of people. May it be so.
— Rev. Todd Harris, Northwest District Superintendent, NTC
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Today’s Prayer For Reflection
Loving God, you call us to be fishers of people. Let your Spirit run through us like the current in the river of life to revive your call within us. Amen