I remember quite clearly, years ago, when the Church began to allow a more “gender-friendly” translation of the Bible. I remember it because my mother, Dorothy, just couldn’t believe it now read that Jesus was inviting the disciples to come and “fish for people” instead of the older “(be) fishers of men” (RSV). Understand, please—that my Mom, God rest her soul, was not a “liberated woman,” and that she loved “being in the kitchen” (as compared to out in the work force). It’s just who she was! She said, “Why did they change it? I know what it means to say “fishers of men” – I know it means all people!”
Times—since then—have changed, haven’t they? I can’t say how much my mother would have changed along with the times, but I know she would have remained faithful to the Gospel, no matter how it would read!
And that’s the most important point, isn’t it? As times do change, we must continue to hold onto the main message of God’s Gospel that is filled with love and mercy. It doesn’t mean that we can read the Word of God in any way we want—that’s dangerous—but we must return to many of the basics (such as “Love God with all you have and your neighbor as yourself”) and hold them up as a daily standard.
God loves you. This is a given. It is given by God Himself. “I am the Lord your God…” (Exodus 20:2) is a simple example of this. God – before He begins sharing the Ten Commandments – offers His love to us. He will be our God, because, well, He loves us, and God can do whatever He chooses. As I’ve said before – He chooses us!
No matter how you read God’s Word, it all points to one thing: the full grace of a loving God. He is not nor has He ever suggested in any way that it is acceptable to murder another human being. In a world where one change is rampant, and, that somehow there are places in the world where it is thought to be fine to end the lives of “infidels,” it—in my opinion—is not acceptable. We need to pray that these peoples are able to see God’s loving, true light which is made known through Jesus of Nazareth – who is the Christ!
Pray that we continue to “fish for people.” Pray that we find ways so all people can hear and see the Gospel come to life through our kindness and compassion. It’s hard because the world is hard. It can be difficult to be kind to others who don’t want our kindness–but love always wins out. Caring for others makes all the difference.
“Fish for people.” Be kind and considerate. Be open but do not give away your basic understandings that Jesus Himself has taught us. The “fields are white for the harvest” the Bible tells us. People are always searching for something more. That something more is Jesus. Share Him through your own thoughts, words, and deeds. YOU WILL make a difference!
Remember – God loves you and so do we!
Pastor Jim