REACH OUT

Years ago Ben Franklin Stores were a major, successful retail chain. Many of their customers came from rural areas to shop for their needs. One observant employee overheard some customers describing the difficult time they had in getting to one of the stores to shop. He discussed the problem with Franklin and recommended to him that he open some stores in rural areas. When his suggestion was rejected, he resigned and began building stores closer to the people.

As a result of his vision, Sam Walton’s name is known around the world and Wal-Mart stores are everywhere. He did not expect people to come to him.  So, he went to the people!

One day Jesus said to Simon, “Now, go out where it is deeper and let down your nets and catch some fish.” Initially, Simon was hesitant, saying that he and his co-workers had already tried that and it did not work. Then, after thinking for a moment, he said to His Lord, “But if You say so, I’ll let them down again.” And when he followed the advice of Jesus, the results were simply amazing.

Jesus left a command for each of us to obey: “Go into the world and make disciples!” Fish never come to the fisherman – the fishermen always go where the fish are. Skepticism and disobedience to Christ’s command have ended many opportunities to reach out to win the lost. Like Sam Walton, we must go to the people with God’s message of love, mercy, grace, salvation, and hope.

Prayer: Father, may we reach beyond our homes, our churches, and “our world,” to find those whom You love and died for. May we do all that we can to win the lost. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:      When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.  Luke 5:1-11