service | TRUE DISCIPLESHIP NETWORK

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.

N E W Y E A R in Focus! This year will be tough and rough, harsh and hard; and very challenging for many. But the good news is, in the midst of these, we shall see the rainbow of God’s mercy, faithfulness, power and love in display. This is not a new word. It is a reminder to those who are the students of the Bible. We are in the age of perilous time (2 Timothy 3:1-17); lawlessness (2 Thess 2:1-17); and a time that iniquity is abounding and love of many is waxing cold fast (Mt 24:1-14). If you are good in mathematical calculation and have the wisdom that can reduce the above expression into figures, what do you think would be the scale or magnitude, or percentage of difficulties, hardship, wickedness, or evil that we shall be dealing with? So I pray that as the evil one seeks to carry out his evil and merciless actions in this year; may God brace and oil your heart with His grace and power. May his presence be your defence, comfort, peace and joy. And may his power guide and guard you through the shadows of death, deserts, mountains and jungles of life. May you arise and shine now that the glory of God is risen upon you. This is the best time in the history of the world to practice Christian faith. May God take you deeper, higher, wider and stronger in his LOVE-adventure this year.

Whatever may be the fiery darts of Satan against your life in this New Year, I would like to proclaim God’s faithfulness, victory, mercies and love over you. I proclaim that this is another year to work and wait patiently; to progress in praise, worship and thanksgiving to God. It is another year to prove and celebrate the presence of God in our lives daily. This is another year to be dressed in his mercies, faithfulness, love, power and grace. It is another year to see the shield of faith at its best as we lean upon the loving chest and feast on the milk of his breast. This is another year to step into the quiet experience of leaning upon the everlasting arms of the God who never sleeps nor slumbers.

This is another year of eternal priority, a year of faithful service, loving witness, holy living, fruitful ministry and training in righteousness. It is another year to be a missionary, an ambassador of Christ among the nations; to triumph over temptations, trials; and to be seated with Christ far above principalities and powers. Yes, this is another year to make the King of kings and the Lord of lords glad by advancing his kingdom among the nations. Another year to prepare for the rapture and great gathering of the saints above.