“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
TO PONDER
A few years ago, I read a book called ‘More than a fisherman’ by Jim Grassi who served as a chaplain with various NFL (American Football) teams, and also to a police department in the U.S.
As the opening lines of the books Foreword state, “Jim Grassi is not only a Hall of Fame Fisherman but a true fisher of men. He has taken Biblical truth and connected some great metaphors that help us to know God and make Him known.”
For Grassi, being a fisherman of people is all about spiritual mentoring or discipleship. It is a relational process that requires people to become actively involved in living out their faith so that others can get to know God.
I don’t know about you but I find it fascinating that Jesus’ first chosen disciples literally ‘dropped everything’ and walked away from their families, their trade (as fisherman) and followed Jesus upon the invitation to “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Is that incredible blind faith or not?
They had no idea of what the future held for them by following Jesus. Mocking, insults, rebuke and even the threat of death was the reality of what was to come. However, in their blind faith they accepted Jesus’ invitation and in doing so witnessed first-hand His love, His teachings, His servant persona, His healing of the sick and the demon possessed, His raising of the dead and culminating in His own sacrificial death for us and conquering resurrection on Easter Sunday.
So, what is our excuse? We don’t really need blind-faith as we are fortunate enough to know the truth through the Bible and its teachings.
Jesus extends that same invitation (that he gave to His first disciples) to you and me today and every day.
What is stopping you from fully accepting the invitation, and dropping everything to put Jesus first in your life?
We only need to do two things, and we are not on our own. Firstly, accept Jesus’ invitation and then as Jim Grassi states “(Matt. 4:19) is a call to become a fisher of men. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be a change agent within our culture”
PRAYER:Master Fisherman. Your Word and so many other additional tools and aids are available to me to be Your fisher of people. Continue to remind me that your Holy Spirit lives within me to help me in every situation you place me in, to bring people to know you as their Saviour. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
TO PONDER
As a young boy growing up in the country, I was always eager to assist Dad in the yard with whatever job he was doing. Whether it was trying to help by pushing the lawn-mower to keep the front and back-yards looking neat and tidy, or as I got stronger pushing wheelbarrow loads full of top-soil to be spread on the grass or barrows full of gravel and sand around the back to be used in a cement mixture for a major job, I did my best. However, my strength often failed me and the barrow tipped to one side and spilled the contents, greatly hampering progress! It was so much easier with Dad standing behind me with a hand on each wheelbarrow handle, taking some of the weight, and providing both balance and guidance as he assisted in pushing the barrow to its destination, before we repeated the process over and over until the job was done.
That experience for me vividly comes to mind as we focus on verses 28-30 of Matthew’s gospel today. We, who are weary and tired from the busyness of this world, and burdened, often with others troubles in addition to our own, are invited to ‘Come’ to our Lord. The invitation extends further to take our Lord’s yoke and let Him teach and help us. Our Lord is our Servant King. He is gentle and humble in heart. He has ultimately served us by His death and resurrection and continues to serves us by walking with us, giving us strength, balance and guiding us. Inviting us to share His yoke doesn’t mean our life will all be ‘sweet smelling roses’, but if we accept His invitation, we are assured that He will continue to be with us to help bear our burdens.
Just like my Dad, lifting and guiding the wheelbarrow for me all those years ago, our Heavenly Dad bears our burdens daily until we meet Him face to face where we will find eternal rest.
PRAYER:Heavenly Dad, thank you for being my (and the worlds) gentle and humble Servant King. Thank you for the gracious invitation to ‘Come’ to You, to share Your yoke and find strength, balance and guidance until we are united with You for eternity. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
TO PONDER
In our current economic times, we are too often hearing about the ‘cost of living crisis’! I know from our own family budget and from my expeditions to the supermarket that these days you come out with next to nothing in your trolley but get no change at all from $100! One would think then, that you couldn’t get a better invitation than groceries for free. Or could we?
The invitation extended to us today in verse 1 of chapter 55 of Isaiah beats the offer of free groceries ‘hands down’. Our verse invites us to receive a blessing and be richly fed with truly satisfying nourishment for our souls. If we thirst for God’s word, accept His invitation and come to Him, everything will be provided for us. We do not need to bring money. Items purchased with money are perishable and will not satisfy us but God’s word will provide us with everlasting contentment and satisfaction as we await the eternal banquet that has been promised to us in our Heavenly home. All this, provided at no cost to us. Yes, it has been paid for, but not as a result of any of our own doings or efforts. It’s absolutely free for us and all that is required of us is to accept God’s invitation.
PRAYER:Dear Lord. Thank you for your loving invitation to be nourished beyond earthly satisfaction. I know I do not deserve this but appreciate that you have fully paid for me to not only participate here on earth, but also join you at your table in Heaven for the feast of feasts. I humbly accept your invitation. Thanks be to God. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
TO PONDER
A few years ago now, my wife and I were surprisingly invited to a wedding at rather short notice with the young couple to be married being openly transparent that some of their extended family from interstate were regrettably unable to attend due to imposed COVID lock-downs. Whilst we had no expectation of being part of the celebrations, we indeed considered ourselves honoured to have been asked retrospectively. The church service, where we witnessed the young Christian couple become ‘man & wife’ and the wedding reception to follow topped off a beautiful day / night and my wife and I were so appreciative that we were part of the celebrations. I reiterate that we were honoured to attend and we have no doubt whatsoever that had we not been able to make it at short notice, that the invitation would have been further extended and accepted by someone else to join in the wonderful celebration.
In today’s Bible verses from the great feast parable, we have a similar situation, though perhaps those who now could not attend had much more feeble excuses for their late inabilities than a COVID lockdown.
The master in today’s parable, who had arranged all the catering, had everything prepared for the guests who had R.S.V.P.’d as ‘Yes’, and had paid for the entire event, could not bear to see places wasted. The master was adamant that the feast would go ahead, every table setting would be occupied and that all in attendance would experience the goodness and abundance of the food, drink and the fellowship that was being offered.
This is a similar setting and feast to what God has prepared for us in our eternal home with Him in Heaven (except we know it will be better). However, there is no limit on numbers at His table. All that is needed is to believe in Him and accept the invitation.
As His servants then, we too should be like the servant in today’s reading. Bold and infectious with our invitations to the world to come and join us in the celebration and all that awaits believers.
PRAYER: Eternal Banquet Master, I am honoured to be part of your plans and to take my seat at your table. I know that the same invitation awaits everyone who believes in you so help me to infectiously extend this invitation on your behalf to others daily. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
TO PONDER
Our message in the verses above quash the thinking of the original Latin term, that is commonly used in the English language today and that many live by of ‘quid pro quo’. That is, we should not have an expectation of goods or services being provided back to us as a form of repayment for any good, service or gesture we provide or perform for someone. To operate on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis is portraying self-centred living! This is the exact opposite of what God has done for us through the death of His own son on the cross at Calvary. There is no way we can repay the gift of eternal life that we have been given.
To think or act in a self-centred way is not Christ-like. There is something wonderful about giving a gift that can never be repaid. Jesus himself tells us this in Acts chapter 20 verse 35: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
So how do we be Christ-like with our invitations of hospitality to others? Just like Jesus did when He was here on earth, we too should include the marginalised, less fortunate, homeless, poor and the needy. Our invitation should be extended to anyone who does not yet know Jesus as their saviour. Not only will we experience an overwhelming sense of satisfaction by these Christ-like actions, but we will be more than repaid through the promise freely given to us through Jesus’ resurrection.
What invitation can you extend to someone today / tomorrow to help them to get to know Christ?
PRAYER: Heavenly Host, you have shown me through your own selfless actions just how I need to go about my life extending the invitation of hospitality and Your love to others. Please walk with me and continue to give me the tools to do this precious work to grow your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
TO PONDER
The book of Malachi addresses the Israelites’ spiritual apathy and disobedience including the practice of tithing [giving one tenth of their income]. God promises that when they bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, they will receive abundant blessings. The storehouse was the temple treasury that supplied the needs of both temple and priesthood, and also used to provide some aid to neglected and shunned people outside the temple. We can imagine if the income was not as expected there would be a degree of hardship. God is challenging them to return to him, promising them a visible result of his favor.
What can we learn from these verses and apply to our giving today? God is always generous toward us; through faith we trust in his provision and trust him with our resources, recognizing all blessing come from our faithful God. There is emphasis on the importance of obeying God’s commands, especially in giving, and as we have been reading this week there is the increased spiritual blessings of faith, joy and peace, when we give generously, even finding that little bit extra. Mathew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 talk about tithing specifically by the Jews who prioritised tithing over other more important matters – principles of faith, compassion and kindness. Our giving is our service to God, following the example of Jesus, and it is to come from a loving heart, not legalistic obligation, and, as God promises, when we do it, we will be blessed.
Prayer :Faithful, promise keeping God, thank you for all your blessings and gifts to us; may we always be aware of those around us who are in need, or marginalised, may we generously use the resources you have given us, material or of ourselves and show kindness as we help them that they too may come to know you, your love and generosity. Amen
Today's daily verse written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they make take hold of the life that is truly life.
TO PONDER
I can remember wartime ration cards, shortages and our mothers cleverly altering ‘hand me downs’ so the garments appeared new. It was the early nineteen fifties when Australia ‘rode on the sheeps’ back'. Years later I recall interest rates at eighteen percent, and more recently the global financial crisis and the current cost of living crisis. But I never saw the divide between the haves and have-nots as great as it is at present; wealth is flaunted to the extent of being vulgar at times. This display of wealth is exactly what Paul is warning against in this text. I also know someone who scans the financial results each day, recently with some fear – Paul warns not to put hope in wealth as it is so uncertain.
The most important word in the text is ‘command’, something God expects us to do willingly as we go about our day. God is the generous provider of all our needs enabling us to enjoy our life on this earth, but we shouldn’t hoard these things for our benefit; rather adopt a constant pattern, willingly sharing our wealth. When we do, we glorify God and align ourselves to Christ's teaching.
Our giving should have a positive impact through acts of kindness and pursuing social justice. When we lack monetary wealth, we give of ourselves, telling others the good news of the Gospel, helping out and visiting when there is sickness, offering hospitality, giving encouragement, taking a meal or making a phone call to someone who is lonely or whom others avoid. Verse 19 is about the reward we are building up for ourselves as we live our lives this way, and we all look to the perfect life we will spend with Jesus in eternity.
Prayer:Dear Father God, the blessings you have given me are countless; you richly provide me with all that I need to enjoy my life. May I never be tempted to hoard more than I need, but may I recognise the needs of those around me and share with them. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over. Will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
TO PONDER
My mum had some firm ideas when teaching me ‘house wifey’ skills. One day I had to make cupcakes under her watchful eyes, I scooped a cupful of flour from the bin, “What’s that?” she asked. When I told her she took the cup banged it on the table then hit the contents with a spoon. Well it took nearly another quarter of a cup to fill the cup so that any more would spill over. I then received a lecture about living life to the very best I can, when I thought I had done my best make sure I couldn’t do a bit more, it didn’t matter if was my time, gifts or money but, while not expecting it, I would see some reward.
Today’s text has the same lesson, our generous giving will result in goodness being poured into our laps; this probably referred to the way the outer garment was belted to leave a fold large enough to hold a measure of wheat, which the seller would pat down to give full measure.
However, if we read the preceding verse, verse 38 really refers to ‘heart giving’ - kindness, forgiveness, love and grace. We are not to judge others or be stingy with these, we should give freely as God has given to us. Neither are we to give these things expecting a return. We cannot love like Jesus, we need the Holy Spirit’s help so that we can show kindness, forgiveness, grace and love in amounts that reflect our faith in and love of Jesus. We will receive reciprocal blessings, spiritual and relational when our heart giving is over the top generous.
PRAYER:Father God, I thank you for the way Jesus has shown me how to love abundantly, not to judge others but to forgive and show kindness and grace without measure. Forgive me for the times I have not been as generous as I could have been or completely missed the chance to do so. May your Holy Spirit be with me enabling me show overflowing heart giving. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed
TO PONDER
In the Old Testament, Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes were seen as wisdom books and associated with a class of people called wise men or sages. These were people called to give advice to kings and young people, whereas the priests and prophets dealt with the religious side of life; we could say today’s text is about teaching us to live happy productive lives before God and the world regardless of our age.
On first reading the text it would seem there will be material gains for our generosity, but our generosity is rewarded in emotional, spiritual and relational gains and our generosity is a witness of our faith. Generosity itself is not predicated on wealth, but rather it is about the readiness to give, share and be a blessing toothers.
Yesterday we read of the joy of generous giving, from today’s text we can expect relationships to grow as we use and share our gifts in the many various ways to help those in need, using our voices to tell of God’s goodness and grace, our actions as a church community can be a powerful witness, even in this materialistic and cynical age. We can become closer to know and support each other, and be blessed by getting to know those we are helping; generous giving should become a habit because modelling generosity can be a powerful testimony.
At times we may wish to give but things might be a bit tight and stretch us beyond our comfort zone, and test our faith, but verse 25 tells us that as we refresh others, we ourselves will be refreshed.
Prayer:Thank you, Father, may I learn from books like Proverbs, how to live a happy and. productive life before you and the world so that I can use all the gifts you have blessed me with to generously use as a blessing to others. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle