By Pastor Don Schatz

Becoming

“And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

Mark 1:17  The English Standard Bible

There are ospreys on the waterfront near my home.  I see them, usually flying, sometimes resting, on my morning walks.  On a rare occasion I have seen them soaring high over the water.  Suddenly, out of the blue (literally and figuratively) their wings fold tight against the body, they tip forward and plummet like a feathered missile straight down into the water.  Seconds later, up and out of the water the osprey flies, breakfast firmly grasped in its beak in the form of a wiggling fish.

In Jesus’ day they fished with nets.  Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, called two fishermen to follow him.  “I will make you to become fishers of men.”  It is not the same as a bird of prey.  Jesus expresses his intention.  “I will make you….”  It is the same word that the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) uses for “create” in Genesis one and two.  ‘I will recreate you, change your purpose and focus in life.’  That is emphasized by his description: “…to become fishers of men.”  They were not fishers of men.  They would become fishers of men through Christ’s action.

I am suggesting that in order to become fishers of men, they, and we, need to become lovers of humankind.  Compassionate.  Caring.  If you don’t give a rip about something, or someone, chances are you will not be inclined to wish them well, let alone act to bless them.  Christ has changed us.  Oh, we look the same outwardly.  But inside, the Grinch’s heart has changed, grown, refocused to love the neighbor.

If you were worried that this little missive would make you feel guilty you are not standing on a corner evangelizing, rest easy.  Today again, Christ is “making” you “become” a lover of humankind.  It’s a daily thing for the Gospel to do.  Change our focus.  And our purpose.  To be lovers of humankind.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado