Fish Must Be Caught

On our last day in the OBX Lanette and I went for an early morning walk on the beach. We passed these two  fishermen who were setting up to do some surf fishing. The day and night before a northeast wind had been blowing, the waves were rough and the wind was high, but these two guys were determined to catch a fish. Wearing his neoprene waders one of the fishermen walked down to the waters edge and made his first cast.  

At that moment, I have to admit I was jealous, I wanted to be that guy - I love to fish!

Later as I was reflecting and looking back at my pictures, particularly the one above, a thought entered my mind - FISH MUST BE CAUGHT. The thought being that before we can enjoy the great taste of fish - fried, baked or otherwise - the fish must first be caught. To be caught someone has to go fishing for them. Now as much as I enjoy fresh fried fish I knew this was not the point God was trying to make.

Jesus often used the imagery of fishing as a way to describe the process of someone coming to faith. When he called his first followers he said to them "follow me and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17)  

Think about this for a moment. If you are a person of faith - a person who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ - how did you become that person?  Truth is it wasn't until after you heard someone tell the good news of what Jesus had done. How he came to give his life so that people like you and me could be forgiven and enjoy a relationship with the God who created us and loves us.

The writer of the book of Ephesians begins his letter by exclaiming all the blessings a person has as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ. Then he says to his readers "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession..."  (Ephesians 1:12-14)

Notice the progression - first they heard, then they believed.

In Romans 10 it says (my paraphrase) Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be saved. But how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him. And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them about him.

So if you are reading this and you are not a person of faith consider this a fishing expedition. I want you to know that you matter to God so much so that he sent his son to die for you. God's love for you is perfect - he loves you no matter what. There is nothing you can do that would make him love you any more or any less than he loves you right now! I hope you will believe this and accept God's love and forgiveness today.

If you are a person of faith then consider this an encouragement to go fishing. Who do you know that needs to hear? How are they going to hear unless you tell them?

Remember - people don't just become believers they must be caught. To be caught they must first be fished for. Lets go fishing!