Learning to fish

by DanWolgemuth on June 4, 2010

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” ~ Matthew 4:19-20

In a matter of hours I will be loading bikes, suitcases and food into our van to head to Wyoming for a week of rest, family interaction… and yes, fishing. To be clear, I am not a fisherman. I appreciate the sport and the corresponding challenges associated with attracting and “capturing” an elusive target.

So with eight inexperienced adults heading to the North Platte River… it’s clear that we’ll need help. We’re all hoping for careful, insightful, and patient support and teaching as we do our best to lure beautiful trout. Our hosts, Larry and Margo Bean, have made certain that we have great guides to accompany and mentor us along the adventure. We’ll need them.

When Jesus transitioned the dialog with the disciples from the language of fishing, to the corresponding language of ministry… He did so with the commitment of guidance. He traversed the white water of their uncertainty and as He did so He promised to show them the way to effectively and authentically build transformational relationships with those that need to know the Father.

Fishers of men.

Patiently, thoughtfully, powerfully… Jesus took three years to demonstrate the lifestyle of compassion, care, discipline, solitude, study, prayer, humility, and love so that He could engage effectively in His mission; His Father’s mission… to seek and save the lost.

Jesus was the ultimate fishing guide. “Follow me” was His invitation.

Three years later they were ready.

“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'” ~ Acts 2:37-39

Jesus… the perfect fishing guide. Follow Him.

P.S.    With Wyoming in our sites, I will not be writing a Fragment on June 11… unless, of course, I catch the Big One!

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