Let’s Go Fishing – Response

Mark 1:17

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Sunday we started a new sermon series titled Let’s Go Fishing.  We dug through Mark 1:16-20 and I read it from the 1984 version of the NIV Bible.  Here is today’s passage in partial context.  Mark 1:16-20 – 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

We talked on Sunday about the need to be fishers of men and women.  We talked about laypersons being the best fishermen.  We talked about different fishing holes in our lives.  We talked about the necessity of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost world.

Being Fishers of Men and Women for Christ

Mark 1:17

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Anthony Epps loves to fish.  I think – there are few things he enjoys doing more.  He would love for his sons to enjoy it as much as he does.  Others in the church family and other friends of mine love to fish.  Something is there about the quiet – the stillness – the waiting patiently for the fish to take the bait.  Some other friends get the same thrill and peace from hunting.

Whether you are fishing or hunting (and both might be considered hunting) – you need to do a lot of preparation.  Rarely do you simply go to the fishing hole – throw in a string and pull out a fish.  I mean – and this is from a novice – I would imagine you need a hook – you need some bait – you might even need to scout for the best spot.  Now most of us who hunt or fish probably have more things that we need – the newest rod or gun – special clothes – several types of hooks – guns – etc.  The serious hunter starts preparing for the hunt a long time before the actual hunt.

My brother starts in the heat of the summer pulling his bow and grouping his arrows in a pillow in his back yard.  He scouts the woods he hunts and watches the path the deer take.  He puts his stand up months before the season and has one that he can move around as well if the pattern changes from week to week.

I would imagine if you talk to Anthony – his preparation for fishing is just as elaborate if not more so.  He dry casts his bow many times before the actual day of fishing.  He probably makes some of his own flies/bait. He probably has a favorite hat – clothes – place to fish and more.

I hope the point is being made – concerning our evangelistic endeavors.  I mean – Jesus was speaking to fishermen – people who knew what preparation it took to real in the big haul.  He tells them “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Have we ever wondered why our children have not turned their life over to Jesus?  Have we ever wondered why those at work haven’t asked us about our walk with Jesus?  Have we ever thought – I wish I could be used of God to bring someone to Christ?

Although God is the true fisherman – if we wish to be used by God to bring others to Christ we need to spend much time in preparation.  Spending time in the Bible will help to prepare us to fish for men and women.  Rehearsing (and that is not a bad word) our testimony with others so we know what we want to share can help.  Working on our witness – our walk with Jesus – our holiness – can also help.  Building a relationship with the persons we hope to lead to Christ is also helpful.  I could go on and on – but I pray we get the point.  If we are to be fishermen/fisherwomen for Christ – we need to spend time and take it seriously.  I think many do not.

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.