Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Scripture Insights
Growing up, my dad liked to take me fishing occasionally, and although we weren’t very good at it, I got the basics down. After I got married, I took it up with a friend and got serious. We fished every chance we got, and I learned there is a whole lot more to fishing than just putting a hook in the water and hoping a fish will bite.
The call of Jesus to fish for people is intriguing. He’s giving all of us a chal- lenge as well as an opportunity for joy. It may be easy to read past this verse, since in the past some have been accused of manipulating the fish into the boat for the wrong reasons. Fishing for people, it has been claimed, is too pushy and isn’t fit for modern vocation in today’s church. But Jesus says it’s the first
thing on the agenda. I want you to go and get people in the boat who are missing it.
Following Jesus means carrying a cross and a net.
Today’s Prayer
Father, may we hear these words afresh today for those who are far from you. Help us understand it as your first call to your first disciples. Keep it in the front of our minds today, and keep our excuses far away.
Prayer Journal Reflections
Reflect on bringing people to Jesus in the church in Canada and the United States.
—Brett Rickey
District Superintendent, Oregon Pacific
