Fishing

Jesus chose twelve to become his core disciples. Four of the twelve were fishermen: Andrew, Peter, James, and John. One-third of the disciples shared this profession. Jesus called to these men at the seashore. It was not a matter of convenience that these fishermen would become great “fishers of men.”

The first two, Andrew and Peter, were actively casting their nets for fish. They were fishing. People often think of fishing in our modern context: one person and a fishing pole. A fishing pole is not kingdom fishing. The net is the tool for kingdom fishing. It catches indiscriminately all that fall within its broad reach. The net spans wide and drops surrounding the fish.

The second two disciples, James and John, were mending their nets. Preparing and repairing are vital to fishing. A net with a hole catches a few fish.

Many churches have active Scouting partnerships, youth ministries, and community outreach. These are churches that have cast their nets. They are fishing for the kingdom. Their faithfulness is a blessing to the community and the church. Other churches are mending their nets. They may be on the side of the sea for now but soon will cast. The net will open and slide into place drawing its circle around the community. Ministry with the community will grow again.

I worry for those congregations afraid of fishing. Those who are tired of the challenge of the casting. I worry for those who have heard such fear that the idea of casting the net scares them. I worry for those who are tired. The call of Christ is not easy. It is not for the weak of heart. But he does call us to cast our net to the other side.

We can be in ministry together. We do not have to die as a church or as disciples. We do have to fish.

“Friend,haven’t you any fish?”
“No”
“Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”