April 17, 2021: SOAP #4153:  1Samuel 19; 1Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

OBSERVATION: First: in these verses we have a command: come follow me. This was more than just an invitation to join Him.  Their response shows that they took it as demanding obedience. 

Second: in these verses we have a promise: I will make you.  It is a powerful statement: I will make you fishers of men.  Jesus did not say, “I am going to try to make you…”  He did not say, “Let’s see what you can do.”   Jesus called them for a purpose.  He took the responsibility to “make them…” 

So, how did Jesus go about keeping His promise?  He lived with them.  He taught them.  He answered their questions.  He had them watch him.  He used them as his helpers.  He sent them out on assignment.  He had them report back.  But greatest of all, He gave them the Holy Spirit to live in them when He returned to heaven!   This was the same Holy Spirit that descended on Him when He was baptized in water at the beginning of His ministry. 

APPLICATION:  The same Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus…  The same Holy Spirit that filled the early church on the day of Pentecost…  That is the same Holy Spirit that came to live in me when I got saved.  It is the same Holy Spirit that baptized me and empowers me today.  The Holy Spirit motivates me and empowers me to be a “fisher of men.”

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, continue working in my heart.  Help me see the people around me who need Jesus.  Flow through me to touch each one. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!