He
said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men.” (Matthew 4:19 EHV)
That
term – dragnet – has been stuck in my head for a week or so. And
that generally means I have to pay attention.
To
be sure I didn't make myself look like too much of a fool, I Googled
it. And it turned out to be pretty much what I thought - “a net
drawn through a river or across ground to trap fish or game.” That
would explain why the corresponding scripture was also in my mind.
Of
course – we are supposed to be fishers of men. That's what Jesus
followers do. Drop that net in the water and sit back, catch some
sun and wait for the fish to swim in so we can haul them into the
boat. Nothing new to learn here – thanks for the reminder though
Jesus!
But
also – it turned out to be more than I thought. Google provided
definition number two.
“a
systematic search for someone or something, especially criminals or
criminal activity”
that
got my attention
Instantly,
I could absolutely picture Jesus orchestrating a dragnet to hunt any
one of us down. The charge against us? The criminal activity He
would accuse us of?
Not
knowing Him. Not looking for Him. Pretending He's not there.
Serious
charges. With eternal consequences.
Definition
number two seems more intense to me and I prefer it. Fishing is no
joke – I've watched Perfect Storm. But there is just something
about thinking of Jesus so focused and tracking us down like Aslan,
that it makes me want to participate, I want to help catch somebody.
Looking
back, I can see where I have been involved in some of Jesus'
dragnets. I can see the one He caught me in. I can see where I am involved in some of them now. Not
going to lie, they can be frustrating. Sometimes you want to grab
someone, look them dead in the eye and just ask, “Do you know how
much I will dislike it if you do not wind up in eternity with me?”
But I suppose – that's exactly what Jesus would ask - that question would be part of the interrogation.
If
you already believe and want a challenge – ask Jesus to show you
who He is currently pursuing and tell Him you will join the
quest.
If you don't already believe, I hope you get caught. Jesus and I will both dislike it very much if you don't wind up in eternity with us.
If you don't already believe, I hope you get caught. Jesus and I will both dislike it very much if you don't wind up in eternity with us.
Third Day –
Surrender
Cory Asbury –
Reckless Love
