A New Season

September 2014.
A new school year.
A new leadership team.
A new senior class.
Something new at Drew.
Maybe hiring someone new for Summit. Maybe?
A new WyldLife club.
A whole lotta new.

And the same old, old story to share with a whole new sea of students.

“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”

What are you afraid of? Who are you afraid of?

It doesn't clearly state it, but Simon was clearly terrified of Jesus. He was afraid.

And yet he fell at Jesus' knees, in the midst of flopping, just-caught, dying fish and begged Jesus to get away from him. 

That really is the only alternative to following Jesus, isn't it? Either we come to grips with our sinfulness and receive his amazing grace or we try to get away from him. 

Or get him away from us.

Reminds me of the kid who avoids me on the final full day of a summer camp week. He's been convicted and knows he must make a decision about Jesus, but it would be so much easier to ignore him, hoping he would go away.

I wonder how many times Jesus had tried to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Simon before this moment. I wonder if Jesus was pursuing Simon for days, maybe weeks to discuss the direction of his life. Perhaps this whole scene was orchestrated... getting into Simon's boat, asking him to push out a little, teaching for a bit, directing Simon to push into deep waters and let down his nets... all orchestrated so Simon could see Jesus for who he really is and not run away!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7

That's a bit of a weird video, I know, but Francis Chan has a way of explaining things.

May we fear the Lord, find his love, mercy and grace, and be compelled to go out and fish for people.

Here is a link to "The Bridge" fable by Edwin Friedman. Please read this so we can discuss further next time we are together.

Speaking of the next time we are together! Block out these dates for our next Leadership Meetings:
October 19, November 23 and December 21. We will start at 6:30PM with dinner and finish by 9PM.

And definitely plan on going to the Young Life Summit on January 24 in New York City!