There are so many Scriptures that point to this Truth in the Bible that it astounds me! Everywhere I turn in the Word there is an example of God reaching out to us. It is so comforting to know that He is the One who brings us to Himself. So often, as a parent, I focus on discipline and taking things away from the kids to try and get them to conform, and yet as I go through the Scriptures, this does not line up with them. God heaps blessings on us until we are so full and so astonished by His goodness and mercy toward us, we bow our knees to Him in praise and in repentance. It is the complete opposite of the worldly view and way. And when we, as Christians, finally get it, then we too become "fishers of men".
This may offend some people and I apologize in advance if you do not share my opinion of this observation: On St. Patricks Day in Savannah, as some of you may know, there is an enormous, really, a bit over the top, celebration and the city literally is over-run with people. As I was walking around down town, I observed for a while, a group of Christians yelling at the people walking by them. The Christians were telling everyone that they were sinners and that they needed to repent. Some of the people just walked by without much regard for them, while others became enraged and spit at them. It was quite the scene. I made a comment to my kids in regard to the scene, saying that I didn't think this was what God had in mind. It was one thing for John the Baptist to do this, because no one was saved or knew anything of the gospel message and He was called to prepare the way of the Messiah; but I don't see how yelling into throngs of people, both saved and unsaved--because no one knows where people stand with God in the split-second it takes to walk by--could be considered the calling of the Christian. I have to say, I was even grieved by it! It simply does not line up with what I have read in the Word. Now, in all fairness, I am NOT God and I have no idea if God required that of them, so therefore, I do not judge them. This was simply my observation. My mom used to say, "you catch more bees with honey than you would with vinegar", and the Bible is pretty clear as well, "they will know you are Mine, by your love".
I don't know why I even got on that soapbox, but I'm stepping down now and on to more important things! Jer. 29:11 One of my most favorite passages. "For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. vs 12 Then you will call upon Me and pray to Me, and I will hear you. vs 13 Then you will seek Me ( as your greatest necessity, vital) and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. vs 14 ...and I will release you from all captivity..." I like the progression of the blessings. God enables us to respond to each step, before leading us deeper through the blessing! So you see it? He blesses, we call upon Him, He hears us and responds to us, then we begin to really seek Him as the vital part of our lives. Then , He sets us free from the things that have taken us captive--the sin in our lives. Love it!
Lk.5 I'll summarize: Peter and his brothers were out fishing all night and caught nothing, they were just finishing up cleaning and mending their nets and Jesus comes on the scene (gets in the boat) and tells them to cast their nets again. Peter explains to Jesus that they were out all night and caught nothing, blah blah but he obeys and casts out the nets again; catching more than 2 boats could handle to the point where they almost sank! What a blessing for this exhausted fisherman! vs 8 "But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said 'Depart from me, for I am a sinful man'". The Goodness of God lead him to repent! He saw how unworthy he was when Jesus blessed him. Then Jesus said to Simon "have no fear, from now on you will be catching men!" I love that. He blesses us to the point of a broken and contrite heart, we repent, and he hands us, in complete confidence, our calling and purpose! Simon and the boys left everything the Bible says--all those fish--and they followed Jesus. They were able to see that the earthly blessing, as abundant as it was, was nothing compared to the calling of Christ to follow Him.
When Jesus, who has all authority over everything--even our flesh--draws us to Himself through blessings, usually at the point of what we think our greatest need is, we are able to see Truth and follow after it.
"Love your enemies (those who are opposed to Christ) and Pray for those who curse you. To show that you are the children of Your Father who is in Heaven." Matt 5:44
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