Luke 5:10  “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”  (KJV)

The three fishermen, hard working family men, being asked by Jesus to “follow me.”

What man would not pause to count the cost of a major career and income change:  Especially one they know NOTHING about.  The officer and gentleman would have given it S-E-R-I-O-U-S study.  In fact, he could research a proposition to death and come to the wire–as in the opportunity is passing by–before he would make a decision.  IT DROVE ME NUTS!    But to his credit, as a husband, father, son, and employee he was counting the cost to his family and business, not just his checkbook.

The mental gears are turning for these three:  fishing boats moored, fishing nets laid out for repair, moon phases known, wildlife patterns understood, bait prepared, wives waiting on fish for dinner, children clamoring for attention, not to mention Jesus is standing there awaiting a decision NOW!

Will they risk it all for Him?  Who is this itinerant preacher?  John the Baptist baptized Him and then this Voice out of Heaven said, “This is my Son in whom I AM well pleased.”  IF this is God’s Son, the promised Messiah, it is a chance to be part of changing the world, to see a new kingdom set up.  The still small voice is softly saying, “GO!”, and the other voice in their head is screaming “Have you lost your mind?”

It seems James and John hesitated but a moment.  Astounding.  Simon, the loose cannon, on the other hand seemed to need just a bit more reassurance.  The Master gave it!  Jesus spoke in terms he understood–fishing lingo:

Fear of storms

Fear of small catches

Fear of drowning

Fear of failure

Jesus said, “Fear not you will survive the storms, you will be successful, you will catch men (that’s really big fish)!

Teachers have insight into their students because they have studied them!  Jesus spoke courage into bold, brash, loud, take charge Simon–the pebble who wanted to be a rock.  This is who Simon became following the Master:  Peter upon whom Jesus built His church.

Do I have the guts to follow Jesus or will I count the cost too long?  The call must be answered NOW!  T. D. Jakes wrote, “Resist your fear; fear will never lead to you to a positive end.  Go for your faith and what you believe.”    Simon followed his faith!   Mark 1:18 says, And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus: The Story Behind the Song

I called Simon a loose cannon.  Loose cannons are tender, uncertain, and fearful hearts in need of a tough facade to cover up and protect their vulnerability.  Simon often put his foot in his mouth and he meant well.  Jesus took this loose cannon and defused it and gave Simon a sword of the Spirit and He became a force to be reckoned with.  Many a New Testament church was birthed because Simon, turned Peter, fished for the souls of men.

The Master takes the personality he wove into our being and he transforms it for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.  The same personality the world has known will be used by THE MASTER in a new direction, with fervor, with courage, with compassion, with creativity.  Don’t fear the career change He is calling you too!  Peter was still fishing.  He just used different bait and got bigger catches!

So what kind of personality is the Master wanting to use in your life?  Take the assessment and see!

http://www.sagestrategies.biz/documents/FiveMinutePersonalityTestforclass.pdf

Study your strengths and weaknesses and see how the Master is using your unique personality to change the world.  Take the assessment for yourself and use it to spark a discussion.  Ask the Lord to strengthen your weaknesses, to hold your strengths in check and help you see how He is gifting others for His service.  Study the apostles and see if you can pick out their dominant personality characteristic.

Dedicated to the memory of Dan Harper. You united a community in prayer and seeking the Lord.  You heard the call to follow Jesus.  You were caught and released!

Treading among the fish,

Yvonne