Cast the Net
Writen by: Dennis Couts
I’m a fisherman. I really like to fish. Being out in the fresh air, blue skies and sunshine is the way to spend the day.
This past weekend, I was able to take a trip to the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and fish for beautiful rainbow trout. There is adventure in baiting the hook just right with two PowerBaits and a piece of shrimp, feeling the split shot sinker bouncing along the bottom of the river. Then there is that tug on the end of the line. Bingo. Set the hook, reel him in and put him in the livewell in the boat.
We have a worldly desire to catch fish for our sustenance and enjoyment. Jesus’ disciples were also fishermen. I’ll bet they had great joy in pulling a net full of thrashing fish onto the deck of the boat.
Jesus had taken up residence near Capernaum. One day, he was walking along the seashore on the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers fishing: Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. He went on from there and saw other brothers in a boat with their father, mending their nets, and he called them.
Immediately, they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Now, they didn’t go to Starbucks or a meeting to discuss what they were going to do next.
No, they went straight away, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing people throughout all Galilee. The Lord has commissioned us to do the same, healing exempted.
I think that we don’t have Jesus’ capabilities, but we can plant a seed as the opportunity presents itself.
Today, I met a retired Indianapolis firefighter. I heard him speaking about his job to another member of the Y while he was pedaling his bike.
Later, while pumping on a step bike, I started a conversation with him. I made two or three statements about the Lord. He had no positive response, no amen, no hallelujah.
So, after a pause, I asked him where he was going to church. He said he was not attending anywhere.
I told him that we had One Fellowship Church right here in the gym on Sunday morning.
He commented that he was unaware of this.
I told him a little about the church and the people going there, and I encouraged him to try it out.
I hope the Holy Spirit will burden his heart to attend.
We have to do the job the Lord has given us: to proclaim his name.
Keep your hook sharp and keep on fishing. To God be the glory.
