Invite a Friend to go Fishing

Do you like to fish? When I was a young girl we lived near a lake and in the spring and summer my sister and I would sometimes accompany our father fishing in the evening. I was always excited when we were able to go with him, not because I loved to fish, but because just maybe I would catch something and my father would be proud.

Today we find Peter, James, and John receiving a fishing lesson from the Master. Jesus suggested they go out where it was deeper and let down their nets to catch some fish. Peter explained to Jesus the reality of the fishing business and shared some basic tactics with Him.

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5)

I used to go fishing to get my father's attention because I wanted to do something he would approve of. Jesus taught His good friends that fishing was going to take on a whole new meaning for them. The analogy of fishing for men was one they didn't understand but would soon embrace with all their hearts.

Now I want to go fishing but taking a different stance. I want to invite one or two people to build a new relationship with and for them to get to know me better. I would love to have a few more people to talk and laugh with; to be real with. Who doesn't need more friends, people to share life's ups and downs and process life with? 

Fishing is fun and who knows how it might change a life.  

Luke 5:1-11

Twice-humbled

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.  Luke 5:10b-11

It is a curious grace to reach the empty end of ourselves.  Like frustrated fishermen, we have cast enormous nets for our own glory only to be disappointed with our catch.  Whether we’ve hauled in knowledge or wealth, fame or stature, advancement or achievement, none have measured up to our expectations.  Dissatisfied, we drop our nets again and again in search for more and more, until we realize and confess the futility and mockery of “it’s all about me.”  And in these precious times of truth so convicting, we relinquish our pride so unfulfilling. 

Yet what God empties he also fills.  We are thus twice-humbled: deservedly brought low in the pride of our sinful nature, and graciously raised up as partakers in Christ’s divine nature.  Is it any wonder when called to follow Jesus, Peter and his friends left it all behind to follow him?  And doesn’t his love compel us to do the same?

Then how amazing the things God does through people humbled in their flesh and living boldly in the humility of Christ!  For, who but the heart awakened by grace rises to seek and to serve those once distanced in indifference or contempt?  Who releases grudges held against others but those who sigh in relief over their own sins forgiven?  Who lives as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God but those he has liberated from fear?  Who stands in prayer against the powers of darkness but the one who has overcome them in Christ?  And only in the love and power of Christ’s sacrifice do we sacrifice our life, in turn, for him.  

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time,” wrote Peter (1 Peter 5:6).  He’d seen it modeled somewhere before ... 

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! 

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11