Day after day I say in my booth by the road Via Maris. Business was good. I could anything I wanted, as long as I turned some of it over to Rome. It was an easy way to get rich fast. Of course I wasn’t very popular, especially not with the Jews. They rejected me, saw me as a traitor. I wasn’t even allowed in their synagogues, but who needs them! I was rich and secure. Still, I must admit that my money meant less and less to me as I got more and more of it. It just wasn’t bringing the happiness and peace I thought it would.

Then I saw Him coming down the road. He regularly paid taxes to me. I had heard of His teachings and miracles, of His talks about forgiveness and the coming Kingdom of God. Whenever He came I always avoided eye contact with Him, for it made me feel guilty and dirty. Still, He was always nice to me. In fact, several times He talked to me about a better life, about giving up all this to follow Him. A few years earlier I would have laughed at the idea. He didn’t have any money, not even a home -- He had nothing! How could being a penniless traveler be better than being rich and feared? Lately, though, I found myself thinking about Him quite often. I felt strangely drawn to Him, even wondering what it would be like to give it all up and follow Him. I never thought about it long, for I never thought He’d have me! Still, I envied those who could be with Him. I figured I could help His cause best by staying away from Him.

This time He stopped at my table and I was surprised. I knew He’d moved here, to Capernaum, from Nazareth (Mt 4:13-16). It had something to do with being rejected in His home town (Luke 4:16-30) -- boy, did I know what that was like! But why had He come to my booth? He didn’t owe any taxes, what did He want?

“FOLLOW ME” He invited (Mt 9:9-13; Mk 2:13-17; Lk 5:27-32). I was stunned! He not only spoke to me, but He wanted me to travel with Him. He wanted me to identify myself with Him. He was even willing to identify Himself with me. All of a sudden it seemed like a great idea! Why not? I thought -- life is empty this way. This money thing isn’t all I thought it would be. There was just something about Him that attracted me. I realized I had really made the decision inside long ago, I just never thought it would be possible! I closed up my books, shut the booth and left. I followed Him from then on. I sold the booth and business and returned as much dishonest gain as I could. I used the rest of my money to help support Jesus and His followers. People were shocked that I’d want Him, but I think they were even more shocked that He’d want me! It was the best move I’ve ever made!

One of the first hurdles I faced was getting along with my new fellow followers of Jesus. We had been enemies for years, and it took a bit of work on both sides to see each other as friends and comrades. The fishermen were the hardest, for they were the most outspoken in all areas.

CAPERNAUM, despite being a good agricultural area, was mainly a fishing town. Capernaum was right on the Sea of Galilee. The lake was 8 miles wide by 12 miled top to bottom. It was shaped like a pear. Jesus did most of His miracles and teaching on the banks of this lake. Jews loved fish much more than red meat, and were willing to pay dearly for it. Commercial fishing flourished. It was done by nets which had floats on one edge and weights on the other. A second boat, or a fisherman in the water, would pull the net togther, trapping fish inside. It was hard, tiring, often frustrating work. When not fishing the men spent many long hours cleaning and repairing their nets, for they were constantly tearing or decaying. Musht, biny and sardines were the main fish that were caught.

I remember one day, about a month before Jesus called me from my booth, that I was watching Peter, Andrew, James and John come in from a long night of fishing. They didn’t catch anything. They had just cleaned the nets and were ready to go to bed when Jesus told them to go out into deep water and try again (Luke 5:1-10). Everyone knew it was the wrong time of day and wrong place to fish, plus the nets would need to be cleaned and dried all over again! I was surprised to see them obey, but even more surprised to see the great number of fish they caught! It really hit Peter heard, for that’s when he realized that Jesus truly was God. Jesus’ response to them all was, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch men!”

Soon after He repeated His call, “Come, follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:16-20). Actually 8 of Jesus’ 12 disciples were fishermen. Little did I know that Jesus would very soon come and call me to leave my work and follow Him, too. “Fishers of men.” The phrase stuck with me and I thought of it as I began following Jesus. There obviously was a real similarity between fishing for fish and bringing others to Jesus.

For one thing, we need to FISH actively. We can’t sit back and wait for the fish catch themselves! We are to be fishers of men, not keepers of the aquarium. We can’t be fearful of rejection, as Nicodemus was. Also, fishermen must fish offensively. They must go to where the fish are. Sometimes it is inconvenient and costly, but it must be done. Fishing must be done seriously, too. It is not just a fun pastime for God’s children. Fishermen in Galilee had to catch fish or starve. Fishing for men is more serious, for what happens to the fish that aren’t caught? They end up in hell forever.

Because of this we must fish determinedly. The purpose of fishing is to catch fish! Fishermen weren’t showing off equipment or working on their tan. They were determined to catch fish. In order to do this they must fish tactfully. Different fish are caught by different bait. Some are caught best in groups, others alone. It takes study and skill, experience and work to get good at it. Jesus ‘fished’ differently for the woman at the well than he did for Nicodemus. Thus fishermen must fish continually. They aren’t going to catch any fish if they don’t have their net or bait in the water. When not fishing, they are getting ready for the next time they fish: repairing and cleaning nets, etc. We, too, must be continually fishing or getting ready to fish. Time spent in prayer and Bible study is essential to successful fishing.

Most fishermen fish lovingly -- they enjoy what they do. That is to be our sacrificial motive for telling others about Jesus. RA Torrey, a great evangelist of years ago, once said: “I would rather win souls than be the greatest king or emperor on earth; I would rather win souls than be the greatest general that ever commanded an army; I would rather win souls than be the greatest poet or novelist, or literary man who ever walked the earth. My ONE ambition in life is to win as many as possible. Oh, it’s the only thing worth doing -- to win souls.” For this to happen we must fish patiently. Fishing is hard, difficult work that takes lots of patience. Perhaps that’s why there are less fishermen today. All animals that are successful fishermen are patient. Finally fishermen on the Sea of Galilee had to fish cooperatively. They are more effective when they work together. Jesus sent out His disciples two by two.

“COME,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” If we do the COMING then He will do the MAKING. We can’t make ourselves fishers of men, but we can offer ourselves as available for Him to make fishermen of us.

Following this Jesus went out with His new disciples so they could learn to fish for men following His example. He taught, healed and delivered (Mt 4:23-25; Mk 1:21 - 2:12; Luke 4:31 - 5:26). Following this is when He came to me and asked me to follow Him and fish for men (Mt 9:9-13; Mk 2:13-17; Lk 5:27-32). I immediately started doing so. I invited all my friends to my house to meet Jesus for themselves (Mt. 9:14-17; Mk 2:18-22; Lk 5:33-39). I wanted them to find what I had found, and many of them did.

I spent the next 3 years with Jesus, and after He died I stayed in Judea for a dozen years, preaching and witnessing. Then I went to Ethiopia and Persia. Since I was well educated I was able to speak to kings about my Savior. I wrote the Gospel of Matthew, too. I had good response there, reaping what the wise men (Magi) had sown a generation before. I died in Egypt having my head split open with an ax. I was a tax collector, I was a disciple, but mainly I was a fisher of men. Are you?

TO: Jesus, Son of Joseph

Woodcrafters Carpenter Shop, Nazareth

FROM: Jordan Management Consultants, Jerusalem

RE: Staff Team Evaluation:

Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organization. All of them have now taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant. It is the staff opinion that most of your nominees are lacking in background, education, and vocational aptitude for the type of enterprise you are undertaking. Simon Peter is emotionally unstable and given to fits of temper. Andrew has no qualities of leadership. The two brothers, James and John, sons of Zebedee, place personal interests above company loyalty. Thomas demonstrates a questioning attitude that would tend to undermine morale. We feel it our duty to tell you that Matthew has been blacklisted by the Greater Jerusalem Better Business Bureau. James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus definitely have radical leanings, and they both registered a high score on the manic- depressive scale. One of the candidates, however, shows great potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, meets people well, has a keen business mind and has contacts in high places. He is highly motivated, ambitious and responsible. We recommend Judas Iscariot as your controller and right-hand man. All of the other profiles are self explanatory. We wish you every success in your new venture.

Sometimes we look back at the disciples as special, spiritual giants. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you would have been making the choices of disciples, you wouldn’t have picked the ones Jesus did. Why did He choose traitors, fishermen, uneducated workers and rejects from society? He chose them because they were available. He doesn’t look at our ability. He can give or take that as He wants. He looks for AVAILABILITY. That’s all we can give Him, that’s all He wants. Nothing else matters.

‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer Though it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile.

“What am I bid, good folk?” he cried. “Who’ll start the bidding for men?

A dollar, a dollar -- now two, only two -- tow dollars, and who’ll make it three?”

“Three dollars once, three dollars twice, Going for three” -- but no!

From the room far back a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin, And tightening up all the strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet, As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer, With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: “What am I bid for the old violin?” And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars -- and who’ll make it two? Two thousand -- and who’ll make it three?

Three thousand once and three thousand twice -- And going and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, “We do not quite understand.

What changed its worth?” The man replied: The touch of the master’s hand.

And many a man with life out of tune, And battered and torn with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine, A game -- and he travels on,

He’s going once, and going twice, He’s going - and almost gone!

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought By the touch of the Master’s hand.

Remember, God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

The days started like any other typical day in Capernaum. We woke up and started going about our daily business of working of working or shopping. I was learning how to repair nets for the fishing boats on the Sea of Galilee so I could one day be a fisherman. James, John, Peter and Andrew were out of town so only one boat would go out today. We were expecting them back soon, any day now. Jesus had sent them out by two’s to teach and heal.

Jesus Himself was seated nearby, looking out over the water as if something was bothering Him. Later I was told He just found out that His cousin, good friend and partner in ministry, John the Baptizer, had just been killed by having his head cut off! Perhaps Jesus was mourning him and wondering if what happened to the herald would happen the one who followed.

It wasn’t long until people discovered Jesus and started demanding he heal the sick they brought. Weren’t they sensitive to His needs? Didn’t they respect His privacy? No wonder He had to slip away at night to be alone to pray.

As the sun worked its way up the sky and I completed my task, my attention was caught but a large, loud group moving quickly to where Jesus was patiently teaching and healing. There was Peter in the front, with John, James and Andrew with them. I knew it was too late to go fishing since that usually was done in the cooler evening or early morning hours, so they probably wouldn’t be coming for their boat. Instead I went over to where they were approaching Jesus.

They were all excited, everyone shouting to be heard over everyone all, all with great stories of the success they had enjoyed as they taught, healed and cast out demons in Jesus’ name. The bedlam was so great Jesus couldn’t hear them, so He motioned for them to get into the remaining fishing boat and push out. I didn’t know if Jesus was going to teach from the boat again, but they kept on going. Obviously Jesus wanted time alone to listen to them and share their excitement while also sharing His ominous news about their mutual friend, John, and its implications for them.

The people who had gathered weren’t to be put off so easily, though. Some started running along the shore to cut across to where they thought the boat might land so they could continue their demands for Jesus’ attention. I followed along, grabbing up the lunch my mother had packed for my noon meal as I passed by the newly-mended nets.

The boat didn’t put ashore but kept traveling, so we kept following. They would have to land somewhere, so we kept following. More and more people caught up to us and others from the town we passed through as we follow the shoreline northeastward also joined in. Soon there was a large group making its way around the lake on foot.

Eventually we arrived at the spot where the boat was landing and swarmed around Jesus and the disciples. I knew Peter and James well, and it was obvious they and the others were quite put out at Jesus because they wanted all His attention just to themselves. Jesus, though, had compassion and patience for the people.

The day was already well advanced and it was past time for our noon meal. I had my lunch but soon realized no one else had brought food. There was no place to buy enough food for such a large crowd for a quick estimate reveled there were at least 5,000 men. Add to that children and women and we numbered over 20,000. It would cost a fortune to buy enough food for all of us, ever if it had been available. I was hesitant to eat my lunch in front of everyone, knowing that wouldn’t be polite. But I surely was getting hungry!

Jesus was sensitive to all our needs and realize we were getting quite hungry. He asked His disciples, who had just seen God do many miracles through them, to handle the situation but it seems they forgot their newly-leaned lessons and didn’t know how to feed us. Andrew had been talking to me and noticed my lunch so he told Jesus about it, thinking that at least Jesus would have something to eat even if the rest of us didn’t. When he asked me for it I was hesitant to give it up, for mother know I was a growing boy and quite hungry and given my 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish. Reluctantly I gave it up, knowing mother would be proud of my manners under the circumstances. After all, sharing with Jesus was a real privilege.

Now we had been watching Jesus do miracles all day, but this one was special because it benefited all of us and not just someone else. A miracle is really what it was, for when Jesus took my food, prayed for it, and broke it to eat it, instead of eating it He passed it to the disciples. Only He kept breaking and breaking and breaking and giving, giving, giving. Yet that same small loaf was still in His hands – it never got smaller! In fact, the food just multiplied. It increased so fast that there was enough for each of us to eat our fill and even have 12 fell baskets left over.

I used to think that I was too young to do anything for God. After all, I was just a child. Then I started thinking of other children God had used. David was a young boy when he killed a lion, bear and Goliath. Samuel started serving God in the temple when he was about 4 years old. Josiah was 8 when he became he became king and let the people back to God. Then there was the Jewish servant girl who sent Naaman to Elisha to be healed. I remembered that Jesus had told the disciples to let children come to Him when they tried to keep us away. I even heard Him once say that adults needed to have faith as us children had. That made me feel good. I guess God can use a child. He often has in the past.

I was thrilled to think that Jesus did all that with my little lunch! It made me think, if He can use something small as my lunch, perhaps He could use someone as small as me. If I gave Him my life, would He use and multiply it, too, for His glory, like the fish? Somehow I think so. I’ll find out, I guess, for I’ve given Him my heart to use for His honor and glory as well. Have you?

1. Use every opportunity to tell about Jesus. Jesus was not too tired to talk to me even though it had been a long day for Him. He could have thought I already knew since I was a Bible scholar. But he took time to talk to me. He talked to people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to old people.

2. Witnessing is dialogue, not monologue. Jesus didn’t lecture me, he listened to my responses. He took my confusion and concerns seriously.

3. Patiently repeat, explain and illustrate. Theology can be abstract and hard to understand. Illustrations, examples and stories help a lot. Jesus used physical birth as an analogy of spiritual birth with me. I didn’t understand it right away, but before long the parallel sunk in. He also used the wind as a picture of the Holy Spirit and the serpent on a pole in the wilderness as a picture of Himself on the cross. Witnessing is like serving a meal. It takes more than good nutrition, it must be tastefully and artfully presented to make the eater desire to partake.

4. Don’t get bogged down at any one point. Don’t get into an argument or meaningless theological discussion when witnessing. Jesus kept our conversation moving, but He kept it on point. When the woman at the well wanted to talk about which religion was right He gently brought the topic back to her need and His provision of salvation.

5. Use questions. Jesus asked questions to find out what I knew and where I was at spiritually. They got me involved and thinking. He also used them to make important points.

6. Lead people to trust you and your experience. Jesus wasn’t afraid to call others to trust and believe in Him. I learned to share my own testimony with others. It was something they could understand and identify with, they couldn’t debate the truth of it, it proves that what Jesus offers is practical and works, and it doesn’t put them on the spot.

7. Warn about God’s judgment on unbelievers. Jesus clearly told me that those who didn’t accept His free gift of salvation were under judgment and destined for hell. No one likes to talk about hell, but Jesus said that is to be part of our message (Mark 16:15-16).

8. Go to people, don’t wait for them to come to you. Jesus WENT to Samaria, where no ‘good’ Jew would ever go! He never told unbelievers to go to Christians, but Christians to go to unbelievers (Mark 16:15). He said we are all missionaries, and our mission field is the next person we meet who hasn’t accepted Jesus as His Savior.

9. One to one is the best way to witness. When Jesus got to the well near Sychar He sent His disciples into town for food so He could talk to the woman alone. One on one, personal, is still the best way to communicate anything. It was especially meaningful to the woman in Samaria for she was used to being ostracized and ignored by everyone, that’s why she came to well in the hottest time of the day. She knew no one would be there and didn’t want criticism for her life style.

10. Be real, human and vulnerable. Jesus accepted her right away, asking her for a drink of water. It was a point of contact, a human need both shared. He opened Himself up to her, asking for a favor, before expecting her to open herself up and ask Him for anything.

11. Put people before prejudice and public opinion. Jesus cared more about her as a person than He cared about prejudice and social customs. It was very improper for a Jew to talk to a Samaritan, for a man to initiate conversation with a woman, and especially for a rabbi to reach out to an immoral woman. Drinking from her vessel would make Him ceremonially ‘unclean.’

12. Go to those in need. Jesus reached out to her because of her need. He spent most of His time with ‘sinners.’ I was as needy as her, but I didn’t realize it! Her obvious need made her more open to accept His gift. She knew her sin and emptiness, there was nothing to cover it. She had nothing to lose but her pain! It took me 2 1/2 years to take a stand for Jesus, she did it the same day!

13. We must call sin ‘sin.’ While it wasn’t easy for me to admit my need, the woman at the well tried to cover over hers, too. I guess that’s natural with everyone. When Jesus brought up her immoral lifestyle she tried to change the subject, but Jesus’ point was made. He didn’t keep focusing on her sin, but He didn’t ignore it, either.

14. Avoid arguments about ‘religions.’ When she wanted to talk about which religion was right Jesus steered the conversation back to the need for a personal relationship with Him. NO religion can provide that! Religion is doing something to connect with God. That can’t be done (Eph. 2:8-9).

15. Challenge the person to make a personal commitment to Jesus. I wasn’t ready, but the woman was. When He told her HE was the Messiah she believed and accepted Him as her Savior. She gave her heart to Jesus then and there.

16. Remember that it is every believer’s responsibility to witness. Immediately the woman went to her village and challenged the people there to come meet the Messiah for themselves. They did, and the result was the greatest response Jesus ever had to His ministry on earth. She didn’t argue with them, she just told them what she had discovered. A witness isn’t someone who argues God’s case, that’s a lawyer. We are called to be witnesses. A witness simply tells what he knows, what he has experienced. We are to be salt and light (Matthew 5). God does the rest.

17. Some sow while others reap. While many responded to Jesus during his short stay at that time, it wasn’t until years later when Philip came that the full harvest came (Acts 8). Philip reaped what the woman and those who also accepted Jesus years earlier had been sowing.

Did you know that only about 5% of those who are Christians have ever introduced anyone else to Jesus? There’s enough Bread of Life to supply the whole world, but there aren’t enough volunteers to distribute it. What about you? You may not feel you can do a good job, but no matter how badly you feel you witness, it’s still thousands of times better than not witnessing at all! As the slogan today says, “Just do it!”

MY NAME IS NICODEMUS. I was a top religious ruler in Israel. I held a high, powerful position. I was very rich and influential. I was extremely well educated and one of the top scholars of my day. You could say I had it all -- outwardly that is. I guess I had too much, because I didn’t want to jeopardize it for what REALLY mattered.

My story starts in the summer of AD 30. It was the time of the Passover. Jesus was in Jerusalem with some of His followers and had just cleansed the temple (John 2:13-22). I could understood why He did it, but I knew it wouldn’t be a popular move! In one way I wanted to learn more about Him, for what I had heard and seen appealed to the emptiness inside me. But I didn’t want to risk losing my hard-won position and prestige. I never liked to be criticized. So I came to Jesus as night (John 2:23 - 3:21).

It was more convenient then for we were both busy during the day, but I must admit that the privacy was important to me, too. What I heard that night changed my life forever! It’s like Jesus knew the inner emptiness and longing of my heart, like He understood it better than I did. He showed me the solution wasn’t in external religious observance, but in an inner new birth. I needed a personal relationship with Him, not the admiration of my peers, to meet my need. My pride and fear kept me spiritually blinded to what he was saying. In the weeks and months that followed, however, I couldn’t forget them. As I investigated more and more into His claims I came to believe that He was God, the Messiah come to earth. I put my faith in Him and considered myself a supporter and follower of His, but I never let anyone know. I was afraid.

Some years ago Premier Khrushchev was speaking before the Supreme Soviet and was severely critical of the late Premier Stalin. While he was speaking someone from the audience sent up a note: "What were you doing when Stalin committed all these atrocities?" Khrushchev shouted, "Who sent up that note?" Not a person stirred. "I'll give him one minute to stand up!" The seconds ticked off. Still no one moved. “All right, I'll tell you what I was doing. I was doing exactly what the writer of this note was doing--exactly nothing! I was afraid to be counted!"

THAT WAS ME. I remember one time, about 2 years after I spoke with Jesus, when the Sanhedrin was talking about Jesus and how to get rid of Him. It was obvious they were jealous of Him and His popularity with some of the people. I couldn’t stand it any longer so spoke up, but what I said was very weak. “Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?” (John 7:51). It was better than silence, but not much better. My fear controlled me. You know, usually the fear itself is worse than the thing we fear! So it was with me. I can see how Satan was using my fear to keep me silent. His lie was that I can take my stand soon, but not quite yet.

There is an ancient story about three demons who were arguing over the best way to destroy the Christian mission in the world. The first demon says, "Let's tell all the Christians there is no heaven. Take away the reward incentive and the mission will collapse." The second demon says, "Let's tell all the Christians there is no hell. Take away the fear of punishment and the mission will collapse." The third demon says, "There is one better way. Let's tell all the Christians that there is no hurry" and all three immediately say, "That's it! All we have to do is tell them there's no hurry and the whole Christian enterprise will collapse."

I CONTINUED TO PUT OFF taking a public stand for Him. Five months later it was too late. "One of these days" is none of these days. I missed my opportunity. Caiaphas had his was. Judas played right into their hands. Jesus was dead. I never had taken a public stand for him. Funny, I should have then felt safe from disclosure. I knew I wasn’t going to be exposed, for no one knew of my faith but me! Instead of feeling safe I just felt miserable. Fear does that to a person.

When I heard that Joseph of Arimathea was asking Pilate for Jesus’ body I went right to him. I didn’t know he was a follower? Who else among our number were? None of us spoke out. What if I would have spoken out, might several others have then found the courage to follow my lead? I’ll never know. We all took the easy way.

Anyway, I made it known publicly where I stood by helping bury Him (John 19:39). That night I couldn’t help remembering the earlier night 2 1/2 years ago, when I listened to His words. If only I’d have chosen differently. If only I’d have taken a stand for Him like He took for me! Instead I had the shame, guilt and regret of letting my fear rule my decisions.

BUT GOD WAS GRACIOUS. He forgave me and used me anyway. Sure, I ended up losing all I had among the Jews, as I feared would happen. You know, though, when it did happen it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be! I had something so much more important to me now, something that REALLY met my inner needs. I had Jesus.

I went ahead and was baptized by Peter and John. I had to leave Jerusalem and eventually was killed for my faith. It was all worth it, though! Jesus was always with me helping me through it all. He will help you, too, if you stand up for Him. Don’t be like me and live with regrets. Don’t wait until it is too late, like I did! Don’t put Jesus off. He won’t let you down!

I recall a story about a man who had to cross a wide river on the ice. He was afraid it might be too thin, so he began to crawl on his hand and knees in great terror. He thought he might fall through at any moment. Just as he neared the opposite shore, all exhausted, another man glided past him nonchalantly sitting on a sled loaded with pig iron. How like some Christians! Headed for Heaven, they tremble at every step lest the divine promises break under their feet. They need only to look at the context of Isaiah 12:2 to realize that God is their salvation and the Lord is their strength and song. By resting completely upon Him and taking His promises at face value, we can drive out the paralyzing fear that hinders our effectiveness in serving Christ. The biblical antidote always works: "I will trust, and not be afraid."

The strangest thing happened today! Somebody came into the temple and disrupted the whole operation. I know lots of people wanted to do such a thing, and I really can’t blame them, but I never thought anyone would dare try much less be able to bring it about. Maybe I better go back to the beginning so you understand.

The temple in Jerusalem is the location of God’s throne among His people. It is the religious, social, civil and spiritual center of Judaism and is very sacred to all Jews everywhere. However many of the Jews had turned God’s house into a place to make money, and not always legally. You see, a large market had grown in the outer court where Jews and Gentiles could both go. Called ‘Anna’s Bazaar’ after the High Priest responsible for it, it was hated by all because it cheated us in the name of religion. First of all, we weren’t allowed to use Roman money because it had Caesar’s picture on it and that was considered a ‘graven image’ and forbidden. Therefore we had to exchange it for temple money when entering the temple. Since the money changers had a monopoly on this service they charged rates as high as 50%. The average worker earned a penny a day. It would take 10 work days or two weeks to earn 10 cents. The money changers would take our 10 cents and give us back 6 cents in temple money.

That isn’t the end of it, though. We needed the money to buy sacrifices for that is the way God required us to worship and thank Him as well as confess our sins. Sacrifices had to be approved by the priests to be offered, for no ‘unclean’ animals could be sacrificed. The priests never approved animals we brought with us, forcing us to buy animals there to use. Then they charged high prices for them. A pigeon that could be bought for half a penny outside the temple would cost 5 or 6 cents in the temple. Therefore a workman would have to work 10 days and save all of it just to buy a half-penny pigeon for a sacrifice!

Not only were sacrifices sold in the temple, anything and everything was sold. It became the central shopping district in Jerusalem with men yelling the praises of their wares, people loudly dickering over prices, animals making noises and complete bedlam everywhere. That totally interrupted any spirit of worship those who came to the temple sought.

Crowds were everywhere! The temple became a shortcut for those going from one side of Jerusalem to another. It was a little-hidden fact that Annas and the priests hid robbers and criminals in the caverns under the temple – for a price of course.

No wonder everyone hated this place! We were cheated and we couldn’t worship. It was NOT what God had in mind when He designed it. There was nothing we could do about it. In fact I was assigned to keep the peace and protect those who were taking advantage of their fellow Jews. What a job! But what could I do? Nothing!

The other guards felt the same way. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons we didn’t do anything to stop the man when He started overturning tables and chasing the cheats out of the temple. I got the feeling, though, that even I had tried to stop Him I wouldn’t be able to move. It was like some strange force were holding me and the others back. Could it have been angels doing this? Perhaps God really was behind Him and His work?

Who was this man? I was told His name was Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee. My friend Isaac, another guard, said He has seen the man calmly braiding a whip out of cords used to tie animals. Obviously He wasn’t out of control in a rage but was rationally doing something He must have long ago decided needed doing. As a Jewish male, He would have come to the temple three times a year since He was 12, so this must have been building from some time. Why explode now? I was also told He was just baptized by a man named John the Baptizer and those present were claiming He was the Messiah, God Himself among us! This, His first act with that title, was something it was prophesied that the Messiah would do. What a way to make a statement!

The friends that came with Him, as disciples following their rabbi (teacher), seems surprised and shocked by the whole scene as well. Obviously they weren’t consulted as to the wisdom of such an action. They were as taken back as the rest of us and clearly didn’t know to do or how to react. Following such a Man would be anything but boring!

While His actions must have pleased the common people, it was the worst possible beginning He could have had with the religious rulers. To be accepted as the Messiah, wouldn’t He want and need their support? Putting them out of business at the busiest time of the year was no way to gain their approval, but certainly He must have known that!

It was obvious He was taking a stand about some of the abuses that had cropped up in Judaism. This action made Him known in Jerusalem, and each of us had to decide what we thought. The rulers were totally against Him. The poor were in support of Him. Most of the rest of us weren’t too sure one way or the other but were reserving out decision until we knew more about Him. I heard that Nicodemus slipped out talk to Him this evening. I guess he wanted more information as well.

You know, I’ve been thinking about this all day. I guess there is a time when we should be angry and things we should be angry at. When others are taken advantage of or harmed, especially in the name of God, the righteous indignation we feel should motivate us to take action to right the wrong. There are times I should get angry and things I should get angry at. I can’t use anger to cover over my own hurts or to gain control of a situation, but it should cause me to take positive action when a wrong needs to be corrected. I need to think about this more and understand it better. I think I’ll ask God for wisdom to know when and how I should express anger as well and when I shouldn’t. That Man has certainly given me a lot to think about as well.

Raising children has to be a top priority in life, right after God and mate. Children aren’t another asset like an IRA, new car or a Florida vacation. They need and deserve full attention and focus.

When children are grown they won’t remember parts of their childhood as you remember it. And no matter what you say they won’t change their perspective. Usually their perspective isn’t very flattering for us as parents.

There are some things they must learn on their own, that no amount of advice can change. It’s different for each young adult, but it seems inevitable for all human beings.

They won’t (and can’t) realize your love and sacrifice for them until they have children of their own. Only thing can they begin to appreciate what their parents felt and did.

The older I get the more I realize how little I am in charge of anything. Youthful optimism gradually changes to a deep appreciation of God’s grace and mercy in our lives.

One of the things I most appreciate as a grandparent is the deepened relationship with my wife Nancy. Having someone to share these experiences with is wonderful, especially when you share all the ‘history’ that occurred bringing you to this point. Your mate is the only other person who truly understands for they have gone through the same things with child raising. Realizing we are never really ‘done’ in parenthood keeps us moving ahead together. That’s a special bond that words can’t express.

I’m sure there will be more lessons to be learned – and I look forward to every one of them. Look carefully in your life and you’ll notice what God is teaching you as well.

Yet some people seem to live life always looking in the rear mirror of live. They are always thinking of the past. Sometimes they miss the good times of the past, often they regret the failures and mistakes of the past. Their thoughts, energy and focus go to that which has been instead of that which is.

God gave us memories for an important reason. He could have made us so we have no memory of past events but He knows we would find pleasure in them and also learn from them. Learning from the past helps us avoid the same mistakes sin the present, gives us a better perspective on what we now face, and helps us make sure our focus and direction is correct. Like a rear view mirror, it has an important place in life. But we can’t move accurately through the present with out eyes on the past.

I miss the good times of when my children were young and we were close. I miss the laughter and fun, the challenge and blessings of raising children. My grandchildren live so far away I only see them a couple times a year. Missing being part of their life tempts me to look back to the past times with my children. But I must be careful to not spend too much time looking to the past.

The present is what God has given me to live and I want to live it to the full. I want to learn from the past and treasure its memories, but as more and more of my family life and ministry becomes part of my past I must still focus on each day and keep moving ahead to the future. God has a perfect future planned for me, not just in heaven but in this life as well. I don’t want to miss any of it by looking in the rear view mirror.

Phil 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I’ve had a very good, very full, very blessed life – thanks to God for that. Still it seems to have gone rather quickly. When I was young looking ahead it seemed like it would take forever to get to the age I am now – yet here I am! I don’t feel as old now as I thought I would. Still the message is clear: time moves on, life is short, life is temporary. So enjoy it! I regret losing too much of life worrying about the future or trying to relive the past. I’m learning to enjoy the moment. In 2 hours I will say good by to my children and grandchildren in Minnesota and return to my home in Pennsylvania. So as soon as the others wake up this morning I will enjoy them until I leave. Sure, I enjoy the memories I have. Fine memories are a treasure to cherish. But more important is to enjoy today, right now. Today is the future I thought would never come, but it has. And time won’t stop, it will keep moving on.

I enjoy watching my sons and grandchildren as they start our in life, with it all stretching before them. Soon they will be in my position. I remember my grandparents talking about these same things when I was a child. My grandchildren will one day look at their grandchildren and think the same things. Such is life.

This shouldn’t bring depression or sadness, it should be a reminder to enjoy the present moment, for that is all God gives us. The past is gone and the future isn’t here yet.

What a marvelous plan of God this thing called ‘time’ is! We live it one moment at a time – just like we enjoy a meal one bite at a time or a walk one step at a time. Of course it’s up to us if we enjoy it or not. We can look at what we don’t have – or what we do have. I choose to look at all the riches God has given me and thank Him for them. I choose to enjoy them day by day for as many days as God gives me. I refuse to get so hung up missing the past or worrying about the future that I miss the wonder and enjoyment about today.

What about you? Will you live today to the full? Will you see it as a wonderful gift from God? Remember, life is long, but its really very short!

Eccl 5:18-19 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him — for this is his lot.

Eccl 9:9-10 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.

1 Peter 1:24-25 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever."

Eccl 3:1-2 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die,

When my sons were young my role was very apparent; train, discipline, teach and raise them to be godly men. Now it’s a bit trickier to really pin down where I fit into their lives. I know a big part of it involves supporting and encouraging them, building them up and reassuring them they are doing a good job in life. Being a new husband, father and young man can be quite a challenge for them. My goal isn’t to point out where growth still needs to take place but to affirm them where they have grown and to help them keep moving in the right direction. Daily prayers for them is a must. Giving them my blessing verbally speaks to them, and God honors it as well.

I’m very, very careful about giving advise or giving money. When they ask for advise I’ll give it. Seldom will I offer advise that isn’t asked for, and then in a very careful way. As their father my opinion is important to them, but if my opinion seems to be critical of them that will hurt more than any good advise I may have to share. As with all of us, there is a lot they need to learn for themselves. That often means learning things the hard way. It’s not easy for us to see them living with the consequences of past choices. But that is life and an important part of maturity.

We help with money when we feel there is a real need. We do it as much to show them support and that they aren’t alone as to meet the financial need. We are very careful to not do so too much, though, for they need to struggle and learn on their own. We learned God is faithful through financial difficulties and we don’t’ want to interfere with His plans to teach them the same thing.

While there are truths I still can teach my sons, I think they teach me as much about life, love, faithfulness and being Godly men as I teach them. They have taken the baton I passed on to them and carried it far beyond where I was at their age and stage in life. I watch them function as men, husbands and fathers and I am very proud of them and humbled that God entrusted me with such fine, special young men. They bless and encourage me as much as I bless and encourage them. As I seek to set a good example for them, they also set a fine example for me. I thank God for them.

I thank God for being their father and for all the lessons I have learned through fatherhood. Above all else, it has helped me understand and appreciate my heavenly Father and how He relates to me.

Ps 89:26 He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.

Isa 9:6 And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Gal 1:3-5 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.