August 22, 2022 – Matthew 4:19-20, The Funny Shape of Faith

“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20

“The next time you’re doing homework or chores, imagine a strange but radiant man walking up and talking to you about changing jobs. If you dropped everything to go with him, it probably would be a shock to your family (and maybe to you). However, that’s what Jesus’ disciples did when he said, “Follow me.” You might not be into baiting hooks and fishing, but Jesus says to you, “Follow me.” Drop everything that keeps you from following. There’s no luck involved in this fishing expedition. You’ll have all that you need.” Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 193-196). Kindle Edition.

Fishing for People

If you like to fish, you know that you are not always successful. Each time you go out you may or may not bring in any fish let alone catch enough to feed your family. But for people who are avid fisher-people, a good day fishing is better than any other day. The act of being in a boat, standing in a stream, enjoying the creation G-d has gifted us, that is enough to keep them going out whether they catch something or not.

The same is true for fishing for people. But before we can even consider fishing for people we need to allow Jesus to “hook us” with his love, mercy and grace. Jesus uses the simplest of bait – he says “follow me.” No special bait – no expensive equipment. Just simple words of welcome and acceptance. It is a model we can follow when we decide to share the love of Jesus with others and invite them to “come and see.”

Let us pray,

 Jesus, you fished me from sin, you netted me with your love, and I am happy to be in your net. Thank you for allowing me to share in that love and then give me the strength to invite others to the same love and possibility. Amen.

Pastor Dave

“In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2

“Even as you read this, Jesus is preparing a place for you in heaven. That beats even a beach house on the French Riviera any day of the week. Your neighbors in that heavenly-place-to-come might not be ones you would choose. In fact, you might be surprised by who’s there. All the more reason to learn to get along with the neighbors you have right now.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Edition.)

Angels to the Left of Us, Angels to the Right

We recently spent time at the beach where we were able to meet some new friends and make some new acquaintances. Once of those friends was a little boy named Cash. He was polite. He was not too loud. He was very friendly and liked to share his thoughts. He had a remarkable vocabulary for a four year old. He was the kind of little boy you want staying in the place next to you.

We all have heard the scripture “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) This text is a call to always keep in mind the fact that anyone you meet, anyone you encounter in this life may be heavenly sent.

We all have a hope to ascend that stairway to heaven. We all also have an idea we can select who should ascend with us. My friends, just as we never know if there is an angel in our midst, when we get to heaven we will have no idea who may have made it as well. And I am here to tell you the guest list will be as surprising as a four year old named Cash — he was pure money as a neighbor.

Let us pray,

God of heaven, it is good to know there is a place for me — and for my neighbors in Heaven. Help me to stop wasting time making the guest list. Instead give me the strength to love all people equally. Amen.

Pastor Dave