“Come after Me,
and I will make you fishers of men.”
MATTHEW 4:19
This profound statement of our Lord Jesus Christ serves as an invitation to follow Him and become His disciples, spreading His teachings and love to others.
The metaphor of “fishers of men” suggests that just as fishermen catch fish from the sea, Jesus’ followers are called to bring people into a deeper relationship with God. The message resonates with themes of faith, purpose, and service. It encourages us to seek a higher calling and share the transformative message of love, redemption, and salvation with others.
Following Jesus is a profound journey that encompasses both faith and action. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, the Bible provides essential guidance on how to follow Jesus. Here are some key principles:
Acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
His sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness for your sins and an eternal relationship with God. Open your heart to Him, seek His will, and experience His comforting presence and wisdom.
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The Scripture says, No one who believes in Him will be put to shame. There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed what was heard from us? Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. (Romans 10:9-18)
Know the Bible:
Dive into God’s Word. Study the Scriptures, learn about Jesus’ teachings, and apply them to your life. The Bible is your guidebook for following Him.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the decree of the Lord is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just. They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold; sweeter also than syrup or honey from the comb. (Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)
Love God and love Others:
Prioritize your love for God above all else. As Jesus said in Mark 12:30, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Show your love through prayer, worship, and actions. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to others. Be a reflection of His love in your interactions.
Pray:
Cultivate a consistent prayer life. Communicate with God, seek His guidance, and share your joys and struggles. Prayer connects you to Him intimately.
Be Like Jesus:
Follow His example. Walk in His footsteps, serve others, and live out His teachings. Remember, following Jesus isn’t just about words; it’s about embodying His love, grace, and truth in your daily life.
While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes'aret. And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.
How deep do you go and let down for a Catch?
Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
Do you think you know better?
And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
Are you willing to confess?
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb'edee, who were partners with Simon.
Are you afraid?
And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
Scripture: Luke 5: 1 - 11
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them,
"Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."
Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
ABUNDANT CATCH
Hear the Word of God. Do not be distracted by the works you have to do. The Lord has prepared for you greater things, a catch that is full and overflowing. Go deep and you will catch even more.
Never underestimate the power of the Lord. Human reasoning compels you to accept things and realities of your present life in the world but God can change that in an instant.
You may have worked tirelessly to bring to fulfillment all of your dreams, wishes, and aspirations but still, things does'nt seem to fit. This means that the Lord is still preparing you to receive even more than what you desire.
Be patient and wait for the Lord to give His go-signal and you will be surprised of the abundant catch He has prepared for you.
Pericope:
II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
THE CALL OF THE FIRST DISCIPLES
Matthew 4:18-22
THE CALL OF SIMON THE FISHERMAN
Luke 5:1-12
V: Jews and Gentiles in God's Plan
RIGHTEOUSNESS BASED ON FAITH
Romans 10:1-21
First Book of Psalms 1-41
GOD'S GLORY IN THE HEAVENS AND IN THE LAW
Psalm 19:1-15
Reflection Source:
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Nov. 30, 2023 (Thursday)
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Sept. 4, 2014 (Thursday)
Sept. 5, 2013 (Thursday)
Feb. 10, 2013 (Sunday)
