Issue #10 - Fishers of Men

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.'” - Matthew 4:19

When I turned five, my bi sister gave me a Precious Moment badge. At first, I didn’t like it because it was a picture of little boys, and the girly girl in me was not a fan. However, over time, I loved the message that came with the picture, “I will make you fishers of men.” I intentionally wore it every day as a conversation starter about Jesus until, unfortunately, it was ruined in the washing machine.

Reflecting on the Joy+ Movement, I remembered the badge. God provides different ways to share the gospel in every season of our lives. For me, at five years old, it was that badge. It served as a daily reminder of who I was "fishing" for and the necessity of abiding in Jesus. I have been reminded again recently that following Jesus happens when we are undivided in our devotion to Him.

During times of persecution, the early Christians used the ichthys (ΙΧΘΥΣ)—the fish symbol—as an acronym for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior." The fish simply points to Jesus as the "One", the good news of the gospel. And through Jesus, we have communion with our holy God! Jesus shed His blood so nothing can separate us from His love. Through His redeeming sacrifice, the death on the cross, we are reconciled, justified, and set apart for His glory and purpose. 

Let’s support one another in loving and following Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. After all, obedience is loving God. This Passion Week and during the Joy+ Movement, let us encourage one another to follow Him. Just as the first disciples left everything behind, we are called to radical obedience and to actively participate in the Great Commission. Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

- Do Yon