Sunday, 8 August 2021
FOLLOW THE MASTER’S EXAMPLE
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).
Everything about your life should focus on winning people to Jesus Christ; there’s no higher priority than that for the Christian. The Lord Jesus Himself was a Master soul winner. In John 4:6-42, He encountered a certain woman at the well of Samaria, and engaged her in a dialogue. The woman came to draw water from the well. But to get her attention, the Lord initiated a conversation with her on something that was of interest to her — the water.
Upon getting her full attention, the Master witnessed to the woman, who believed and went about telling others about her encounter with the Christ. Matthew 4 tells us another beautiful story of how Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee and saw two brothers who were fishermen: Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew. He said to them, “…Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
The Master always knew how to engage others in a conversation on a subject that was of interest to them, in a bid to witness to them. If you’ve often wondered how to engage people in a conversation in order to lead them to Christ, emulate the strategy of the Master. Observe what such people might be interested in, and initiate a conversation along that line.
You can ask that he or she explain something to you about a book or magazine they might be holding or reading, and then you listen with rapt attention. If you do, they’re more likely to also give you their attention when you start witnessing to them.
Of course, there are times the Lord could give you specific instructions about someone you need to witness to. At such times, don’t negotiate; go right ahead and follow the Lord’s guidance. Whatever He tells or inspires you to say at that time and place, that do. He said in Psalm 81:10, “…open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Always be bold, and the Lord will honour His Word in and through you.
PRAYER: Blessed Father, I thank you for the Holy Spirit who lives within me, making me an able steward and minister of the mysteries of Christ. I take advantage of the opportunities I have today, to preach Christ to those whom you’ve ordained to receive salvation through me; they’re turned from darkness to light and established in your righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 9:16; Acts 17:22-34
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 11:1-24 & Psalms 79-81
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 14:1-14 & Judges 15-16