Fishers of Men
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”
Luke 5:9–11
One of the most important truths any of us can learn is that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. We are not cast randomly out into the world to struggle through as best we can. The God who created everything also designed a purpose for us. In the pages of His Word He has revealed the vital truths that will, if we follow them, shape our paths. Peter, James, and John had successful careers in the fishing business, but Jesus had something else in mind for them. He wanted them to be part of His work. And because they acknowledged His right to command their lives, they left behind everything they had known to follow Him.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is.” There on the Sea of Galilee these fisherman had just seen an amazing demonstration of the power of God as both of their boats were filled to overflowing with fish. Yet it was in that moment of great success and a financial windfall beyond what they had dreamed that Jesus called them to abandon what they had known for a new course in life. They were willing to follow Him and start catching men, and the entire world was transformed as a result. The great need of our day is the same—people who are willing to be fishers of men.
Luke 5:9–11
One of the most important truths any of us can learn is that God has a purpose and plan for our lives. We are not cast randomly out into the world to struggle through as best we can. The God who created everything also designed a purpose for us. In the pages of His Word He has revealed the vital truths that will, if we follow them, shape our paths. Peter, James, and John had successful careers in the fishing business, but Jesus had something else in mind for them. He wanted them to be part of His work. And because they acknowledged His right to command their lives, they left behind everything they had known to follow Him.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is.” There on the Sea of Galilee these fisherman had just seen an amazing demonstration of the power of God as both of their boats were filled to overflowing with fish. Yet it was in that moment of great success and a financial windfall beyond what they had dreamed that Jesus called them to abandon what they had known for a new course in life. They were willing to follow Him and start catching men, and the entire world was transformed as a result. The great need of our day is the same—people who are willing to be fishers of men.
Today’s Growth Principle:
When we understand who God truly is, we will be willing to devote our lives to following His commands.
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