Fishermen and Fishers of Men

Tomorrow is Minnesota’s fishing opener. All this week, boats have been getting prepped and fueled up; fishing gear inspected, new lures added, old line replaced with new and fishing licenses purchased. New technology lets people see structure and even displays fish. Water temperature, lunar phase, and weather fronts are watched closely because each has an affect where and if the fish will be biting. The very best resource every fisherperson can have is a fishing guide who knows where the fish are biting.

Many have taken a vacation day today and are already on their way to their cabin or favorite fishing lake. Some will be on the lake the day before just to make certain everything is opener ready. There will be the fishing fanatics who will have their line in the water at 12:01am Saturday fishing the first minute of the new fishing season.

Jesus wants more people to be fishing fanatics.

Some of Jesus’ first followers were commercial fishermen. After they followed Jesus for several months, he challenged them to switch careers and become fishers of people instead of fishermen.

What’s the difference?
Not much.

Good fishers of people get their harvesting equipment ready for the season. They review the gospel of the good news and acquire new ways to share the “For God so loved” story. New technology shows maps and charts of demographics where people need and are responding to this good news.

The very best resource every person can have is a fisher of people guide. The Holy Spirit knows where people are responding and will gladly lead you to them.

Matthew 4:18-20 The Message
Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.

And they became fishing fanatics.

What new ways have you used to tell the old story?
Comment here:

---