THE ' KING’S BUSINESS
611
HEART OF THE LESSON
By T. C. Horton.
I T ERE is the first recorded invitation of Jesus. It sets forth the life work o f disciples—the winning o f men. We are witnesses and warriors and workmen. We are the seed, the salt. The figure here is appropriate and sugges tive. They were fishermen; adepts; earn ing a living; working on the sea. The sea is a type o f the world—restless, troubled, its shores representing eternity. Men are like fish with freedom o f will, and this is their peril. Fishing for men is an art (Luke 5:10) “ From henceforth thou shalt patch men.” This is the business to which He called them—-the business o f every disciple. All cannot preach or teach, but all can and must win souls. No sadder contemplation than that o f a selfish soul, saved by grace. Think o f the joy amidst the throng o f rejoicing ones casting trophies at His dear feet! Think o f the sorrow o f having no sheaves! For this work the believer should strive. For this we should rear our children. Think o f Christians cultivating their children’s voices, their fingers, giving more attention to their feet than to their souls. How ter rible for children to rise up in the judg ment and charge their parents with failure! Fishing for men is an assured art. “I will make' you." Men are not born soul winners; they are made. Not self-made but Christ-made. Theological seminaries can make theologians, but not men-catchers. This requires a Divine Teacher—the Spirit o f God. Fishermen for men need (1) to recognize their calling. Nothing higher. This is higher than Heaven; higher than angels; as high as God. Make every attainment minister to the success o f this. (2) Love it. No man succeeds well in any business for which he does not have a taste. The heart must be in it. (3) Be diligent in it. A fisherman is at it in all seasons when not
busy with mending the nets and the boats, getting the bait ready (live bait, attractive bait). The devil perfumes his bait; he is;a soul-catcher. (4) Perseverance always lands the fish. Keep on trying. Men do a lot of foolish fishing; fishing where the fish do not run; sitting out in a boat; lying down; fishing all night; taking nothing. H e will teach you, where to cast your net. Some fish near the shore in shallow water. ( 5 ) Skill. Few occupations require more skill. This comes from practice (1 Cor. 9:20-22). Look up illustrations in the New Testament and see how different ones were reached. ( 6 ) Honor your calling. W e ar t co-laborers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9 ). No man ever made 1 an honest effort to save men, but that God worked with him. If there is any where or any time or any place where the power o f God will make itself manifest, it will be when we are laboring for souls. We are co-sufferers together with Christ (Rom. 8 :1 7 ); co-witnesses with the Holy Ghbst (John 15:16, 17). He witnesses through us and with us. (7) Fulfill condi tions. “ Follow Me.” Christianity is the religion o f a Person “Me.” Leave the old nets for a new occupation. All man’s, devices must be laid aside. Leave the old master—no man can serve two. I f any man will come after me, let him deny himself.” Not easy. There are two snares— relations and self- interest. W e are to be careful lest our loved ones and our own life, hinder our usefulness. Our own desires, and prefer ences and loves must, be put aside. PRACTICAL POINTS (1) “ Follow Me” is a call and a command. (2) He who forsakes all, finds all. (3 ) Winning souls is the work, o f the saints. (4) Men are not born but made fishers of men.
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