A Shared Work!

Now that Spring is here I have seen more people towing their boats through town to go fishing. Though it has been quite a while since I have personally gone fishing, I do remember aspects of fishing that were more enjoyable than others. There is good company and conversation that can be enjoyed while waiting for the fish to bite. Just being near the water or out on it can be therapeutic. Anticipating the first tug at the line, the excitement of the catch itself, and enjoying the fish later are also very pleasurable experiences. However, the least enjoyable part of fishing is having to CLEAN the fish. Growing up, I understood that if I caught the fish I had to CLEAN them. What a delight when one can have the fun of catching with someone else to take care of the CLEANING.

As Jesus began to call the disciples to follow Him, we read…
“(18) While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. (19) And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN.’ (20) Immediately they left their nets and followed him. (21) And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. (22) Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” ( Matthew 4:18-22 ESV)

Peter, Andrew, James, and John were men who knew fishing. As partners ( Luke 5:10) in the fishing business they were very familiar with the patience involved and also the smells and the sweat that went along with the work. Jesus chose these men to join in a new kind of fishing. They were called into a partnership with the Lord in a work of eternal significance. Yes, there would be work involved. There would be challenges. However, with the new fishing they would be encouraged by the company and conversation of others involved and be thrilled at each catch, but it was the Lord Who would do the CLEANING. ( Ephesians 5:26; 1 John 1:7 & 9)

Been fishing lately? How wonderful to be in partnership with the Lord in such a work. Let us keep casting and catching so that others may experience HIS CLEANSING power.

Have a great day KEEPING THE LINE OUT TO DRAW OTHERS IN!
Carl

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