Book review: Sent becoming a fisher of men (Chapter 3)
- mambaub
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Behind the scenes
A Journey of Faith and Obedience:
A Review of Sent: Becoming a Fisher of Men, Chapter 3
In Sent: Becoming a Fisher of Men, Chapter 3, The Beginning of the Journey, we witness a moment of surrender—an act of faith that echoes throughout Scripture. The author steps away from the security of a stable career to follow a divine calling, mirroring the biblical principle of total reliance on God:
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.’” (Matthew 16:24)
From the outset, this chapter is not merely a recollection of events but a testimony of how obedience to God’s call often leads us into the unknown. The journey to Bela Bela represents more than a geographical shift; it signifies a spiritual transformation, much like when Abram left Ur at God’s command (Genesis 12:1-4). The author, much like the disciples who left their nets behind (Matthew 4:19-20), chooses faith over familiarity, embracing the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as his life’s mission.
Faith in Action: Evangelism Beyond Comfort
Arriving in Bela Bela, the author quickly realizes that spreading the gospel is not confined to pulpits and church buildings. His first outreach moment happens in the most unexpected place—outside a KFC, where he meets Tsepo, a man seeking spare change from passersby. Here, we see the biblical principle of meeting people where they are, just as Jesus did when He ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26).
Rather than seeing Tsepo as just another face in the crowd, the author engages him in a conversation about salvation, repentance, and the urgency of preparing for eternity. This moment embodies Romans 10:14:
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
Tsepo’s response—inviting the author to share this message with five other men—demonstrates the multiplying effect of discipleship. The author’s decision to leave his Bible with them echoes the principle of planting seeds of faith (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Much like the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), some will receive the Word with open hearts, while others may struggle to grasp it fully. But the responsibility of the believer is to sow, trusting that God will bring the increase.
The Challenge of Missions: Recognizing Spiritual and Physical Poverty
As the author continues walking through Bela Bela, distributing Christian materials, he faces a sobering reality—many people cannot read. This moment reflects Hosea 4:6:
"My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge."
Beyond literacy struggles, he also observes the deeper issue of spiritual poverty. Though surrounded by the natural beauty of wildlife reserves, many in the town are trapped in cycles of hardship. This parallels Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34, reminding us that true provision comes from God, not just human effort. The author’s reflections challenge both himself and the reader: Do we truly trust God as our provider, or have we built a culture of self-reliance that leaves Him out?
The Power of Community and Fellowship
Despite these challenges, the chapter ends on a note of unity. A shared dinner with two families becomes more than a meal—it is a demonstration of Acts 2:42:
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
The author realizes that mission work is not just about preaching—it is about living out the gospel through relationships. In the simple act of coming together, believers embody the kingdom of God on earth, demonstrating love, encouragement, and the importance of spiritual family (Hebrews 10:24-25).
A Call to Bold Discipleship
Few chapters illustrate the cost and reward of discipleship as powerfully as this one. The author does not sugarcoat the journey—he acknowledges the struggles, the moments of doubt, and the need for perseverance. Yet, his story affirms what Jesus promised in Luke 18:29-30:
"Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life."
This chapter is more than a personal account—it is a call to action. It asks the reader: Are you willing to step out in faith? Are you prepared to meet people where they are, just as Christ did? Are you ready to trust God completely, even when the road is uncertain?
With its heartfelt storytelling, scriptural depth, and unwavering commitment to truth, The Beginning of the Journey is not just a chapter—it is a challenge to every believer to become true fishers of men.
Until next week. its goodbye
Comments