by Pastor Mark Moreno
Called to Be a Disciple to Fish for Disciples
If there was ever a photo that could scream “fish in a barrel” it might be today’s image. Here we see a koi pond that is full of hungry fish ready to compete for tourist’s attention to feed them. This pond is in Oahu at the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
I must admit I am not much of a fisherman, although I have been out many times and enjoyed it immensely. I suspect if I had a rod and reel that day, I would have been very successful at the koi pond! I probably would have been arrested as well!
As Jesus began His ministry, he called men to be His disciples. We read in Mark 1,
“Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.”
Mark 1:16-20 English Standard Version
How amazing it is to think of the fact that WE are called to not only follow Jesus, but to also be “fishers on men”! The idea is that it begins with a relationship, being a disciple, and then sharing that truth and message with others.
In this scenario, what could the bait be? The bait is the good news of the gospel! It isn’t a “hard” sell or even a “soft” sell. It isn’t deception or manipulation. It isn’t the promises of riches or happiness. It is the person, work, life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
The fact that we have life, forgiveness and salvation is what we proclaim to others. My prayer and hope for you is that you would trust the Holy Spirit to be at work in your life to share the Good News of Jesus with others! Who knows? Maybe your “haul” will be what inspires others to go fishing too!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
