Fishing for people is one of the greatest gifts the Lord can give us. I am always amazed the Lord involves us in His work, especially fishing for people. Jesus loved being around fishermen and fishing. Peter may have been an experienced fisherman, but Jesus was more knowledgeable about fishing because he made them. Jesus also created people and knows how to fish for them.
A few years ago, a small first grader invited one of her friends who did not know Jesus to vacation Bible school. It wasn’t long before this little girl’s friend and mother began to attend worship, and both were baptized. Two souls were added to the Kingdom of God because a little girl went fishing for people.
Jesus called Peter to be a Fisher of People
What did Jesus see in Peter, James, and John that others did not? Was there something special about them we were not aware of? The Bible tells us that they were just ordinary people making a living catching fish. These fishermen were not descendants of great people or people of wealth or power. Jesus also knew when He called them, they were not experienced at fishing for people, yet He called them.
Jesus had been teaching the people in Peter’s boat along the Sea of Galilee and later, to their surprise, called them to fish for something greater. Luke 5:10 Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on, you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. [1] Jesus chose the disciples not because they experienced fishers of people but because their hearts were open to learning. Man looks at the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Lord Chose You
God did not pick us because of something special about us. The Lord chose us because He is in the business of calling people to faith and molding them, shaping them into new people. The verses Paul wrote are humbling. 1 Corinthians 1:26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. [2]
It is always special to be selected to be on a team, but God has asked you to be on the most incredible team in the history of the world, His team. Remember, God gave the job of fishing for people to ordinary people, and He continues to do that today!
To learn more about fishing for people, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/follow-called
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 5:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Co 1:26–27). Tyndale House Publishers.