Fishers of men?

Well, it seems 2011 is off to a good start! In this new year I look back to last year. Now, I know that looking back could turn me into a pillar of salt (lol), but I was thinking about my journey of living missionally. I must say that 2010 was not the best year for being faithful with the opportunity to share the gospel. Although I wanted see more people affected for the Kingdom, I can recall only two people this last year. This brings me to the purpose of my post today. I want 2011 to be different. I eagerly desire to have the opportunity to affect many,, many lives for the Kingdom. I want the Lord to teach me to be a better "fisher of men" in 2011!
Have you ever wondered about these words when he spoke them in two of the Gospel accounts; Matthew 4:19 and Mark 1:17. Each account compares fishing. The disciples were fisherman catching fish to support their families with their trade, then Jesus states "follow me and I will make you fishers of men."
Now, fast forward through the Gospels and even the whole New Testament!
We know that the journey of the disciples following Jesus was not the easiest one. They left their trade, their comfort zones, their families,experienced failure, rejection, yet were able to move the world with the power of the Gospel about Jesus Christ. They truly became fishers of many men!
When I reflect over the ministry of these men, I am utterly moved by the awesome potential to affect lives with the Gospel. In this new year, I look forward to the opportunities to share and show love and go with the message of the gospel through my journey. What else in life could compare? What else in life could offer the eternal benefit?
How do we become a fisher of men? Follow JESUS. Believe. Surrender, Sacrifice. Step out!
Luke 10:23-24 says "Turning to the disciples, He said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see these things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them."
There is something amazing about following Jesus that the rest of the world will never get. There are things that only the serious and sincere followers will experience. This may sound exclusive to only some. Yes, it is only to those who follow Jesus.
So, are you ready for the most amazing year you could ever have? Are you excited about the potential opportunities that are just beyond? The weather looks right. The water is deep. There are many who are hungry lets GO FISH!
Till next time,
Jason- Fisherman in training