This is a brief reflection in response to those who are seeking direction to the call of God to mission. Today, Becky asked me a question about lessons on the call of God from Luke 5:1-11 and the material below is the summary of my response to her. I believe it will bless your life too.

“…Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him” (Lk 5:10b-11).

Hello Becky, the above passage reveals to us the Love of God and why Jesus calls his disciples to follow him. From the passage the writer clearly shows us how Peter and his friends cherished their finishing business and how much they labour for the food that is not eternal. However, when they met with Jesus their lives and business dramatically changed, especially when they obeyed the instruction of Jesus (Lk 5:5). However, it was at the height of their successes and achievements that they left all and followed Jesus. I like such immediate obedience. This suggests that Jesus has the right/authority to call any man/woman anytime for his specific assignment. Don’t you think so?

Therefore, meditating farther and gleaning from Peter’s encounter and the nature of his call in this story (Lk 5:1-11), I want to observe and share the following salient truth about God’s call to Missions with you. I hope it will add to what you already know about God’s blessings and calling upon those he loves:
1.      God does not call people to destruction, condemnation or shame as so many people think of God. God has best plans and a great future for those who obey and follow him. According to prophet Jeremiah, ‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope’ (Jer 29:11NIV)
2.      Although God does not call people to lazy outings or purposeless hangouts, yet there is no amount of hard work can get us any farther without God at work in our lives. Jesus told his disciples, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
3.      God’s call is a call to God’s purpose. From Genesis to Revelation we see God unfolding his purpose for humankind in and through man. The dynamic list of the heroes of faith who had walk through this earth in the past, remind us that God is up to something and only those who discern, discover and step out by faith share part of the amazing stories of God.
4.      God’s call is a call to divine love. God is first inviting us into intimate love relationship with Jesus. Having drink deep into Christ’ Love we are then send out by and with Christ to share and show his love with others.
5.      God’s call is a call to a personal discipleship walk and work with Jesus. As we daily seize the opportunities that come our way by his grace beware that it requires a disciples to abide. Hence the need for quick obedience.
6.      God’s call is a call to demonstrate the Lordship and power of God in our personal and public life. This reminds me that God is behind all our success, breakthrough, miracles, rewards, awards, accomplishments, promotions, career etc. But I like Peter’s response. At the peak of great achievement in his fishing business, career or profession he decided to surrender all and answer God’s call upon his life. Peter caught fish on that day to the extent that his net broke, he had to call for another whole crew and boat to help and both boats were filled up and even began to sink (Lk 5:6-7). What a success! But he did not allow that to deter him from answering the call to follow Jesus.
7.      God’s call is a call to sincere confession of sin, disobedience and unbelief. We always feel reluctant to obey God. In our calling, Jesus is inviting us to confess our fears (Lk 5:9-10) and confusion; and confess his glorious Lordship over our lives (Lk 5:5).
8.      God’s call is a call to “catch men” alive or to catch men for life and bring them to Jesus (Jude 22-23; Acts 9:15; Proverbs 11:30).
9.      God’s call is call for radical decision and absolute dedication to God in the business of Christ Kingdom.
10.  God’s call is a call to follow Jesus. We are not call to be it or do it alone. Christ promised to be with us (Mt 28:19-20). We can do nothing with Jesus (Jn 15:1-8). Jesus is the Master we are his disciples and Lord of the harvest. He leads the way his disciples follow him.

Finally, Jesus told Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch people instead of fish.” Simon and his partners brought the boats to shore, left everything, and followed Jesus (Luke 5:10-11 GW).

Please Becky you may join me to meditate on these passages too. John 15:16; Luke 9:23; 14:26, 33; John 12:26; Matthew 4:19. Thanks very much. You are amazing and great. May we answer the call of God instead of trying to fix our lives by ourselves.