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Fishing For Men
Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 16, 2022 (message contributor)
Summary: Look at what they did when they were called. Did they ask permission from anyone to go and why did they go?
Jesus had told Peter and Andrew to quit their fishing business and become “fishers of men,” to help other people discover God. Jesus was calling them from their earthly trade to a spiritual trade. How many of us have heard the call and answered? If we all were to do what Christ taught and spread the Gospel to others, the Holy Spirit would draw people around us to Christ, like a fisherman maneuvers fish into his boat. James, his brother John, Peter, and Andrew, were the first Jesus had called to work with Him.
These men were motivated to leave their jobs and follow Jesus when they heard His call. They didn’t make excuses. They were altogether persuaded, that following Jesus would change their lives perpetually. So, they immediately left and followed Him. Jesus calls every one of us to follow Him. We should resemble the disciples, when Jesus calls us to service, and do it without a moment’s delay. Those who follow Christ will have to abandon all to follow Him.
So, what type of fisherman are we and what type of fish are we fishing for?
Types of Fishing:
Fly – skims the surface.
Bass – waits around.
Trout – looks busy.
Net – load to heavy. Souls are not saved because the net is broken.
Types of Fish:
Eel – slippery, never around, can’t find them.
Mud – slings dirt, causes trouble.
Bass – all mouth, talks a lot, not productive.
Flounder – selfish, can’t agree with anyone, self-centered.
Salmon – goes against the current.
Puffer – blows up about everything and gets offended.
Craw – sneaks out the back when work starts.
Gold – shows off, a look-at-me attitude.
Have we examined our boat and our tackle box? Are we using the right line, bait, etc?
Have we become “Keepers of Aquariums?” are we swiping fish from other fishbowls and not reaching out for lost souls?
Are souls not being saved because our nets are torn?
We may have the ability to “fish,” but the key is our willingness to serve in whatever capacity God calls us to do.