Fishing in the shadow of the cross.

I awoke this morning thinking of the Graham Kendrick song, Such Love. It had made a big impression on me early in my journey of faith. I was at the NEC in 1988(or9) at a Make Way event. The first time I had ever been in such a huge gathering of Christians, all worshipping together. This song was one of them and it helped me to respond to Jesus’ love for me, his dying on the cross for me, and giving me new life.

So I decided the words SUCH LOVE should be added by the cross’ shadow on my prayer journal painting. I decided to work on this before I had looked at what today’s Live Lent reflection was. It’s my day off today and I had decided it would be an art day – as well as getting out for a walk.

Such Love

Such love, pure as the whitest snow
Such love, weeps for the shame I know
Such love, paying the debt I owe
O Jesus, such love

Such love, stilling my restlessness
Such love, filling my emptiness
Such love, showing me holiness
O Jesus, such love

Such love, springs from eternity
Such love, streaming through history
Such love, fountain of life to me
O Jesus, such love

For the Live Lent reflection today the Bible reading is Matthew 4: ¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.”

I have responded to that call and I have worked hard in ministry to ‘fish for people’. However, the catch has been very small. Perhaps I have holes in my net!!!! But then, not everyone does the actual catching. My ministry has been one of encouragement and I know that many people have benefitted from my ministry and have grown and matured as a result. The fish I painted represent the churches I have ministered in, not individuals. The net is a piece of shower puff.

We all play a part in sharing the gospel with others. One will sow seeds, and another help them along, whilst another reaps the harvest and has the joy of helping them make that step of faith. But of course it is God who does the growing.

All I do as a Fisher for Jesus flows from his Fountain of Life. Without his sacrifice on the cross, his resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s empowering, none of it would happen. I live in the shadow of His cross, knowing his love and doing my best to share that love with others.

So at the end of today, this is my prayer and art journal page for the beginning of Lent.

It will be interesting to see how tomorrow’s reflection leads me to fill the gap in the page. I can’t leave it as it is.