There they were—fishermen returning to their vehicles after dark, packing their rods and tackle into their trunks. Even if they did catch a few big ones, was the pain and mess worth it?
Black flies, mosquitoes, and moths swarming that fishing hole. Then there were the scratches from low branches, scrapes from slipping off a slimy rock, a bleeding index finger from a hook jab, and the sticky discomfort of a hot, humid summer evening. Yet some people love every minute of it. Some are up before sunrise, and others are still there fishing at dusk.
A good friend of mine tried to teach me how to fish. While he reeled them in, I stood nearby waiting for a nibble. I watched how he baited his hook. I tried casting my line like he cast his. I tried to be patient too. Seeing how futile my efforts were, he would gladly give up his favourite fishing spot so I could try it. I would stand where he had been standing and fish the same hole, and very occasionally I’d pull in a fish. Perhaps if I had kept at it, I would be an avid fisherman today.
Peter and Andrew were experienced fishermen. They knew the Sea of Galilee like the back of their hands. A short time earlier, they had encountered the Lord Jesus personally (John 1:35–42), but on this particular day they were working with their nets near the shore.
A familiar voice called to them from the shoreline. Matthew records the moment like this:
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He (Jesus) saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him. Matthew 4:18–20
No, it wouldn’t be easy work. There would be scrapes and cuts involved in this kind of fishing, too. There would be annoyances and aggravating factors—a different kind of mosquito. It would be demanding work whether the day was hot and humid or not. And yes, while others basked with their toes in the warm waters of a vacation beach, they would be hard at work—fishing. While others slept, they might be up before dawn. While others relaxed at the end of the day, they would still be fishing.
The Lord first called them to be with Him before sending them out to serve Him (Mark 3:14). Before they ever learned how to reach people, they learned to spend time with the Master Fisherman. They would watch Him, listen to Him, and gradually become more like Him.
Fishing for trout, bass, Coho salmon, or steelhead? No!
Fishing for precious souls hidden in the dark waters of sin. Fishing for sinful men and women whose sad and empty lives were immersed in the murky waters of wickedness. Fishing for successful people swimming in the swift current of prosperity and the good life.
The Lord was saying, in effect, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. I will teach you how.”
What impressions must have been made as Peter and Andrew and others followed Him closely every day! They would study the kind of people He singled out and observe how He began conversations with them. They would watch the compassion He showed toward every sinner. Again and again they saw Him moved with compassion toward weary, wandering people (Matthew 9:36–38). They would discover that fishing for people is more than hard work—it is heart work.
Many believers who desire to become effective in personal evangelism concentrate on learning techniques and methods. While these certainly have their place, the most essential part of the soul-winning equation is not mastering a method but becoming more like the Master.
Before the Lord taught His disciples how to reach people, He taught them to walk with Him. As His compassion, humility, and love were reflected in their lives, Christ’s love began to radiate from them. No wonder He first called them to be with Him.
How thrilling it must have been to watch Him lovingly and graciously draw sinful and forlorn outcasts from society’s cesspool. Seeing, day after day, discontented and restless sinners finding peace and being transformed must have been beautiful to witness.
The more closely they followed Jesus, the more effective their own fishing expeditions would become. He was turning them into fishers of men.
Are you following Christ closely? Are you close enough to Him that He can give you further instruction on how to become more effective at reaching lost souls? When was the last time you cast the gospel line with a baited hook or lowered the net in spiritual fishing?
Are you willing to be as persistent and patient, and to endure as much discomfort and inconvenience, in fishing for souls as one gladly puts up with when fishing for salmon or trout?
Peter and Andrew lifted their eyes beyond the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee to the shores of eternity.
Paul looked beyond his days of fishing for souls in Thessalonica to the Judgment Seat of Christ and the joy he would experience when he saw those same believers standing in the very presence of the Lord. He wrote:
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20
Dear child of God, look beyond this brief life and invest your time, your gifts, and your energies in that which will be eternally significant. Allow Him to make you a fisher of men in your sphere of influence on the lake of life.
Announcement
Coming in late August – the relaunching of our updated Lostsheepfinders website – a place to share personal evangelism ideas and approaches and reports on unique Christian outreach efforts.