Devotional
for the Week 4 June 2007
I
Will Make You Fishers Of Men
Text: Luke 5:1-11
1.
What was Jesus’ model for reaching out to others?
Do
you remember how Jesus called Peter, an unschooled fisherman, to
be His disciple? Jesus said, “Follow Me and I will make you
fishers of men.” (Luke 5:4-6) As soon as Jesus called Peter,
He wanted him to learn to fish for people. We can conclude that
‘fishing’ is not just for church leaders – it
is for every follower of Jesus.
Notice
Jesus taught only those who were interested. Those who ignored or
rejected his gospel message, Jesus simply did nothing and moved
on with His ministry.
2.
How can we reach out to others?
Be
deliberate and intentional and be ready for unplanned and spontaneous
opportunities to share the gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always
be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the
reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect.”
Yet,
be patient and do not be ‘pushy’. Remember the acronym
CPR:
C – Cultivate
casual friendships
P – Plant an
idea from God’s Word or offer to pray for the person
R – Reap the
harvest and lead that person to Christ and your church
3.
How can I ‘go fishing’ when I still have so many struggles
myself?
A
witness is someone who tells what he or she has seen or experienced.
So we can just tell others what has happened and is happening in
our life. You do not have to be perfect to be a witness!
Share
both your successes and failures. As it is said in 2 Corinthians
12:9, “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for
you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will
boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's
power may rest on me.”
4.
What if they ask me something I do not know the answer to?
When
we do not know how to answer a good question, be sensitive to what
God has to say. You may sometimes be surprised by the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit to give a suitable and godly answer. At other
times, you can say, “I don’t know – but let me
go and find out.”
Luke
10:1, it is said that the Lord appointed 72 disciples and sent them
two by two ahead of Him to every place where He
was about to go. This shows that we can also share the gospel by
bringing along a like-minded Christian. Go fishing with a better
fisherman! There is strength in numbers.
5.
If people are interested, what should I say to them?
Tell
them about God, our loving Father:
• "God loves you. God wants to develop a friendship with
you.
• He has a wonderful plan for your life.
• Would you like to get to know Him?”
Compare
our Christian life as a journey with God:
• “Getting to know God is like taking a long journey
together Him.
• There is so much we can learn about Him.
• Would you like to meet regularly so that I can share with
you what little I have learnt?”
Offer
to pray with the person by asking: “May I lead you in prayer?”
• “Heavenly Father, thank You for ________ (name of
person).
• He wants to know more about you.
• Please reveal more of Yourself to him. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.”
6.
What if someone says, “I would like to become a Christian
today?”
Rejoice
with the person by saying a simple prayer:
* “Lord Jesus, ________ (name of person) would like to become
a Christian.
* He wants to follow You and learn more about You.
* Please lead and guide him everyday! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Conclusion
Remember
‘fishing’ is for every follower of
Jesus. Go ‘fishing’ regularly. Even experienced fishermen
often catch nothing. But don’t give up – a miraculous
catch may be just one fishing trip away! Importantly, never cease
to pray. Pray! Pray! Pray! Everyday!
Prayer
Response:
Everyday,
make this your daily prayer:
“Lord
– please show me at least one act of kindness that You would
like me to do for someone today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Devotional based on a message
by Rev Norman Wong