We are beginning a three-week series today that we are calling “Hooked: Followers Fish.” When Jesus called the first apostles, he promised that if they followed him, he would transform and change them. He could give them a certain ability. 

Jesus didn’t promise to make them smarter or wealthier or more popular or better looking. Jesus didn’t even promise the apostles that if they followed him, he would make them holier or more religious — whatever that means. 

Jesus told his first followers that if they followed him, they would become fishers of men. 

He would teach them how to use the same courage, patience, determination, and faith they used as professional fishermen to bring people into a relationship with him. This metaphor of fishing has thus been used throughout the history of Christianity to describe our efforts to share our faith in Christ. Jesus invites us to capture the hearts of people with the truth of the Gospel, the truth that God so loved the world, he gave us his only beloved Son. 

Followers fish — so, over the next few weeks, identify one person who does not have a relationship with Christ. Commit yourself to investing in this one person. Pray, fast, and spend extra time with that person over the next three weeks. Begin by praying for him or her right now.