Let's Go Fishing!

Daily Devotional:

2014-04-11
Matthew 4:19 And He said to them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” I want to share a modern parable that I found rather interesting—witty, but poignant: Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. And, lo, there were many fish in waters all around. Streams and lakes were filled with fish, and they were all very hungry. Week after week, month after month, year after year, people who called themselves fishermen met and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they really should go fishing. They built large buildings for local fishing headquarters and issued pleas on a regular basis for more fishermen. But they didn’t fish. They organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. Their great vision and courage to speak out about fishing was seen in their promotion brochures and spirited rallies, called together for the purpose of wishing the fishermen well. But the staff and committee members never got around to fishing. Large, elaborate training centers were built to teach fishermen how to fish. Persons with doctorates in “fishology” were hired to do the teaching. But all they did was teach fishing—they didn’t actually fish. After one stirring discussion entitled “The Necessity of Fishing,” one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. He caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings to tell about his experience. He consequently never went fishing again but began traveling all around the world, telling his story to people who claimed to be fishermen—even if they, too, never found time to actually fish. I think it’s time to remind ourselves what business we’re in, don’t you? You might think you’re in the computer business. You aren’t. You might think you’re in the medical profession. You aren’t. You might think you’re in retail sales. You aren’t. You have been licensed and commissioned as God’s ambassador on earth, placed by Him in the medical realm, computer world, auto industry, sales, education, law enforcement, retail, agriculture . . . but none of these is really your business. Your ultimate business is to share with friends, family, and co-workers the Gospel of Jesus Christ: that He died for their sins and rose again on the third day—that He’s coming back! Individuals and churches often overlook this most basic assignment from Christ. It’s a good idea to remember from time to time the difference between church work and the work of the church. There’s never been a better time to get out your fishing gear, grab your tackle box, and head for the pond. Whether your fishing hole is a job site, a local gym, or your own neighborhood, there are fish to be caught. They’re starving for the Bread of Life which only Jesus Christ can offer. So what do you say—have you ever caught a fish? Better yet . . . are you ready to go fishing?
Prayer Point: Ask the Lord to allow you an opportunity to share the Gospel with at least one unbeliever this week. Then pray for God to give you both the courage and the opportunity to do it.
Extra Refreshment: Read John 4 and take special note of not only how Christ relates to the Samaritan woman but how He challenges His disciples afterward. His words “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” should be the passion of our hearts today. http://www.wisdomonline.org/devotionals/devotion_detail.html?id=583