Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

This is understandably one of the most famous “callings” in the Bible, but it just struck me that all four of these men were net fishermen; they didn’t catch one at a time, they caught dozens, at least. We tend to think of evangelism in terms of one-on-one encounters. Those are certainly valid, and Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch is a Biblical example of that. (Acts 8:26-40) However, large gatherings are also valid, and everything in between. Billy Graham was certainly a master “fisherman,” as were Reinhard Bonnke and many others, but the point isn’t so much the method as the catch. I’ve seen videos of commercial fishermen with poles, lines, and hooks, but no bait on the hooks, sailing their boats into a mass of fish, dipping their hooks, and pulling out large fish one after another. I think they scatter food, called chum, to get the fish to gather, but the point is that there’s not just one way to fish. We need to be actively looking for the opportunities God gives us to “fish,” and bring in the “catch” that He desires.

I have never thought I was gifted as an evangelist, but I will confess that it really feels good to “reel one in!” I have used gifting as an excuse to stay in my comfort zone, but excuses don’t cut it with God! The perfect “fishing technique” for Japan hasn’t been found yet, but that certainly doesn’t mean I’m to quit trying. My most recent experience was one who was literally begging to be “caught!” The “chum” I’m to use is simply the love and grace of God. There are countless people who are hungry for it, but they don’t accurately identify their hunger, and try to satisfy it with other things. I’m to put it out there unconditionally. When the Holy Spirit opens their eyes to it, they will jump into the boat! There are people I’ve shared the Gospel with in various ways over the years who have never recognized their own need of salvation and the possibility of it. They think of religions as walled gardens, and they think they’re stuck in the Buddhist or Shinto one, and can’t accept that the Christian one is open to all who will repent and believe. I could go on and on about hinderances to the Gospel in Japan, but none of them are too difficult for God. I’m not to focus on the difficulties, but rather on my omnipotent Lord, who loves all these people so much He died for them.

Father, thank You for this reminder. May I be effective as Your agent however You want to use me, evangelizing, teaching, nurturing, discipling all You bring to me, so that Your house may be full, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!