FOLLOWING JESUS, FISHING FOR PEOPLE
S - "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
Notice also that Jesus said he would make them fishers of men. I didn't start following Jesus so that I could catch men. I wanted forgiveness and to avoid hell. But what Jesus wants to "make me," to teach me and help me become, is what he wants for all of his followers - to be made into fishers of people. I'm to catch people! He'll teach me but I'm to catch people!
A - As I follow you Jesus, as I spend time will you, I must ask, "Am I becoming more and more one who fishes for people?" Am I responding to you as you make me into this kind of person? You promised you would make me this. Today I will pray for those around me with the knowledge that the reason you asked me to follow you is so that you could make me a fisher of people.
P - Father, I pray for those I know who don't know you. Help me become more and more the person you call me to be as I seek to catch fish. Amen.
Daily Reading - Matthew 4-5
S - "Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” Matthew 4:23
ReplyDeleteO – It amazes me first from this scripture that Jesus spent most of his public ministry in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali which is north and west of the Sea of Galilee. This was not the “hub” of political or social life for the Jews. This was more like a regional centre (like Albury / Wodonga on the Hume Weir) – Jesus went “throughout” this area. It strikes me that the local church’s influence in our area is significant and can have eternal consequences if we follow Jesus’ model – he didn’t hanker for greener pastures, he gave his all for his local area.
Focus – 3 fold ministry
Teaching - (in the synagogue)
Preaching - Outdoors to the people
Healing - Every disease and sickness among the people
It seems as if Jesus’ ministry was a ministry of Grace and Truth. Jesus gained credibility because He cared for the people. He entered their world. He was one of them, a local. He was not some big shot who just rode into town and performed some impressive feat and then moved out. His focus on healing was just as significant as his focus on preaching and teaching. This comforts me and reassures me. These three focuses in ministry work hand in hand. You cannot tell someone about the love of Jesus until they have experienced His love from his people.
A – I am going to keep before me Jesus’ influence and focus. I am going to continue to pray for and love this town and the people in it. I am going to continue to exert my influence for Jesus in as many places locally as I can. I am reminded to not minimize or find inconvenient people’s hurts and problems when they present themselves to me.
P – Dear Jesus, Thankyou for your model of your influence and your focus. It is so clear what you call us to do. Help me to love, encourage and speak your truth to those I encounter in my sphere of influence. Amen.
Daily Readings - Matthew 4-5
Hi Jonatan It's Mandy. His Word truely is alive!!!
ReplyDeleteS~Matt5:13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
ReplyDeleteO~Jesus is speaking to a crowd. There could have been non believers as well as believers. He is talking about the affectiveness of our lives. Salt came from the dead sea and had impurities, causing it to lose flavour. He was talking in their language, using examples that they would understand.
A~How affective is my life. What will stand after time has passed. Is my life fresh for Him? Am I doing His will that will be everlasting? Again, what am I putting my time/effort into? Will it last, is it for Jesus? Is He #1 in everything?
P~ May I today work on things that only you want me to. May I have selfcontrol over the other things calling for my attention that are taking my eyes off you. Amen.
WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.
ReplyDeleteI choose All the Beatitudes with special mention going to:
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called Sons of God.
AT The start of Jesus' preaching, teaching, healing ministry. He rebukes the devil. He calls the disciples. He returns to Galilee after hearing John had been put in prison. His teaching commences in earnest - It's like He got the green light to go ahead.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the Pure in Heart for they will see God.
In order for me to understand these teachings fully, I need to be a PEACEMAKER and PURE IN HEART. To follow Jesus more earnestly every day.
Help me Lord to keep my focus fixed on you that I may know you more. Amen