THE GOSPEL PROVIDES PURPOSE
One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed Him. A little farther up the shore He saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And He called them to come, too. They immediately followed Him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
Matthew 4:18-22 (NLT)
Salvation is about more than just what happens when we die. If it weren’t, then at the moment we passed from death to life, Jesus could just beam us up to be with Him. But He has a plan and a purpose for our lives while we remain here on earth. The same Gospel that saves us compels us to a life of evangelism. Quite simply, there are people we will encounter who need to hear the life-transforming Good News of the Gospel. And while God could communicate His message in virtually any way, He chooses to use us as His ambassadors (see 2 Corinthians 5:20).
Elton Trueblood, former chaplain at both Harvard and Stanford, once said: Evangelism is not a professional job for a few trained men but is instead the unrelenting responsibility of every person who belongs to the company of Jesus.
Jesus didn’t select those with the most formal education. He didn’t choose those other rabbis clamored to have as their disciples. He chose ordinary men who were working ordinary jobs. While we may think we could never be used by Him because we haven’t studied theology or have a background in vocational ministry, that’s simply not true. Jesus calls each of us to be fishers of men.
One practical note about fishing—it requires patience. You don’t throw your line out and immediately expect to catch a fish. The results come over time. The same is true as we share the Gospel. Don’t grow discouraged if everyone with whom you share does not immediately begin to follow Christ. Persevere in praying for them as you share the Good News of the Gospel.
APPLICATION: Who is Jesus calling you to share the Gospel with? Ask Him to break your heart for those who are dead in their sin. Pray that He will give you clarity and the courage to speak on His behalf.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for allowing me to be Your ambassador. Help me to remember that my purpose is to glorify You. Grant that I might do this by sharing with those around me about who You are and what You’ve done. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?