Jesus said I will make you “fishers of men” !
Wow what metaphor and yet a sophisticated promise.
For most of us we are not fishing people. My ancestors were Nordic fishermen. My grandfather and father took me fishing when I was a kid when we were on vacation. So, I learnt a few things about fishing. Later in life I learnt how to spearfish using a “Hawaiian Sling” and managed to hunt and shoot some really nice plate fish.
Let’s break this down a little more.
Landing Fishing, Capturing Fish or “Catching Fish” is the principle. But fishing techniques vary and these different techniques are what we might call “Methods”.
So, in fishing language, fishing with a rod and reel with a hook, to catch just one fish is a “method”… yet going on a trawler with a large net to catch MANY fish is yet another method.
Some fishermen use live or frozen meat as bait (other fish, prawns, etc). Some fishermen use homemade or plastic lures, that look like bait. Everyone uses a method and prepares equipment that they think works and is successful.
Each fisherman goes hunting for a fish species and goes prepared to catch that particular species, from large sharks and tuna fish, snapper, cod, to small bait fish like sardines, and even octopus and prawns.
In summary, when we go fishing, we need a time, a place, equipment (preparation) and the expectation that some fish will be there, and know what species we are hunting for.
There are other important ingredients to successful fishing. Take action and Go. Be patient because you may need to wait for the fish to be ready.
Why am I speaking this way about fishing concepts ?? Every fishing expedition needs a PLAN.
Its important when we go “Fishing for the Souls of Men”, that we think in similar terms. That’s what why Jesus used that metaphor and we can draw out similar parallels, and help us make a PLAN.
WHERE – Where will we meet people? Will they be there ? Is it someone’s home or business ? it it our home or business ? a cafe perhaps ?
WHO – Do we know them? Do we have a relationship with them ? Are they strangers to use ? How will we reach them ? Is it ONE person we are wanting to talk to? is it MANY people we want to talk to all at once ?
WHEN – When will be go? When we are invited? A specific time? are we able to be time flexible? Does something else need to happen before the people arrive?
EQUIPMENT / PREPARATION – What to we tools do we need to prepare or bring? Do we need to fast and pray? Do we need to bring cakes, food or biscuits?
BAIT – What is it that we are going to say or share that will captivate the people we want to go talk to ? have we got something prepared ? Will we wait on the Holy Spirit ?
ACTION – Do the work, don’t put it off for another day. Nothing happens if you don’t do the work.
PATIENCE – This is a “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. We need to be patient when we are going out to talk to people and fish for “souls”.
INTENTION – Be steadfast with the intention to go, and expect to see results.
The main thing with this story is that we have INTENTION and we are PREPARED…, and then we actually “GO”… do the work, and be patient.
If you don’t succeed, keep trying because that’s what fishermen do.
Happy fishing !!
Oikos National Team & Disciple Maker
Martin Spratt
Oasis.org.au
