Predictable. Routine.

These words defined Simon and Andrew’s lives. They were working in the family fishing business, and every night they would attempt to catch enough fish to feed their family.

On this particular night, they didn’t have much luck. Defeated and dejected, they cleaned up their nets so they could repeat the process the next day.

Simon and Andrew came from a long line of fishermen who had dedicated their lives to this work. Soon their sons would do the same. Days became months. Months would turn to years. Before they knew it, years would turn into a lifetime of monotonous moments.

Then Jesus showed up and changed everything.

The story is recorded in Luke 5, Matthew 4, Mark 1, and John 1. Jesus was speaking to the crowd, and they were pressing in. He got into the boat and asked Simon to put out a little from the shore. He finished His sermon, and then turned to the brothers and said, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

I’m sure Simon was thinking: “Preacher, you stick to the preaching, and I’ll do the fishing.” But Simon obeyed even when it didn’t make sense and pulled in so many fish the boat began to sink.

The family business soared that night. If he were like most Americans, he would have contracted with Jesus to hang out with them and help them be prosperous and successful. Like most Americans, they might have believed the lie that Jesus would make their life better and more comfortable.

Then Jesus makes an unlikely proposal: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).

Follow me, and I will save you from a predictable life.

Follow me, and I will save you from a life of routine.

Follow me, and I will make history with you.

They risked everything and traded in a normal life for an unpredictable one. They left their livelihoods, parents and boring lives, and they followed Jesus. They traded in their nets for salvation and joined a new family business: disciple-making.

Following Jesus results in more than salvation and is more than an invitation to get out of hell. Following Jesus is an invitation to quit living a monotonous life. It is an invitation for life to become unpredictable. Salvation is about joining the kingdom.

The kingdom is exploding with life now — not just in the future! It may be risky. It may not be comfortable at times, and it will require sacrifice. But, in the end, you will be a part of making history rather than being history.

Be saved from a life of routine and predictable days. Join the party!

Let’s go fishing.

— If you struggle with sharing Jesus with someone close to you, consider reading “Close Encounters” by Lee Clamp, available at CourierPublishing.com.