Gone Fishing

Let's get one thing straight i have never been nor will i ever been mistaken as someone who fishes alot.  I have fished some, mind you, but it has never really been "my thing".  Some people do as a stress reliever, others may do it for the food, some fish for a living, and i think some do "just cause".  I have been fishing several times in my life, one of the most memorable ones was fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, which was over 15 years ago i believe.  Patience is the key, and of course having the right bait for the right fish.  I figured out over time that there is a HUGE difference between fishing and catching.  Simon had dealt with the same thing in Luke chapter 5:

^4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

^5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

^6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ^7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

^8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ^9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ^10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” (Lk 5:4-11, NIV)

 

I have walked away from fishing more times frustrated than i have happy.  Simon had a long night of frustration, he fished a long hard night and ended up with nothing (i know that feeling well).  After a long, hard night he pulls up to the shore, Jesus says go back out and drop the nets.  Simon, somewhat reluctantly does, and vs. 6 tells us that the nets where so fully he had to call for back up.  Simon Realizes the magnitude of what happened falls at Jesus' feet cause he realized He was Lord.  Jesus Says to Him (paraphrased), "you think this is good, go now and fish for men and be even more amazed".

 

Not only is it frustrating to fish for fish, but fishing for mankind can even be more frustrating.  We have the best food (bait) there is to offer, Eternity with the God who created them.  But yet, far too many don't want to hear it, don't want to accept it, and want nothing to do with Him.  The key to being a fisher of man, as well as Fisher of fish is found in one word:  Patience.  Sometimes the wait is long, but the reward is awesome!!

 

Matthew being a fisher of men

Brittany Being a fisher of men

As a youth pastor their is nothing more exciting than seeing my student's Being Fisher's of Men

I may not be great at fishing for fish, but now I'm "Gone Fishing" and I'm fishing for men!!

Peace, Chris