Devotional by Kulin Robertson
As a disciple of Christ we all aim to live lives that reflect the nature and strengths that Jesus carried. Jesus’ relational strength is one we all would love to possess. Jesus was the best example of connection, communication, compassion and conversion. He gave us the phrase “fishers of men” to illustrate how with the right tools we can invite, connect and capture the hearts of the lost - just like fish. BC alumni Kulin Robertson gives us insight on how we can become more like Jesus and capture more fish (souls) for the Kingdom of God.
We all want to be better at a certain skill, but one of the skills that matter most in ministry is becoming a better “fisher of men!” Who better to learn from than Jesus? The story of Zacchaeus is one where Jesus shows us how to fish for men (or evangelize).
“Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a LOOK at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” - Luke 19:1-6
I see 3 keys to fishing in this story. They are:
We have to see everyday and opportunity as a mission field. Jesus was just walking through the town and he could’ve been focused on other less important things, but he was focused on the person God was sending him!
God is sending people to you, but do we have the perspective to see them?
After Jesus looked up at Zacchaeus, he called him by name! In a crowd of people, Zacchaeus probably felt pretty special to be singled out and pursued.
We all have busy schedules, which can feel like a crowd of people around us. In the midst of our busyness, are we willing to push through to pursue the one person that God is sending to us?
Jesus went to the home of Zacchaeus. We have to be willing to invite people into our lives or step into the lives of others!
What I love about this story is that Jesus focused on the one among the crowd! To be a fisher of men does not necessarily mean we have to win crowds of people to the Lord. But if we focus on one person at a time, we are living like Jesus! :)
