And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren,
Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea:
for they were fishers.. And He saith unto them,
Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:18-19
Fishing requires patience.
It also requires using the right bait.
It requires precision.
Fishing can be a trying task.
There can be predators in the water that are going after your desired catch.
There can be rough waters, rain, wind, things that make fishing unpleasant.
Any fisherman will tell you that.
You have to keep your boat and nets
and other means to catch fish in good shape.
That requires much work and dedication.
If you’re hungry or you need to catch to survive, it can be stressful.
Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.
Jesus related preaching the gospel and bringing others into the Kingdom, much like catching a fish. This was something the disciples could relate to.
Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.
Following Jesus is key.
He will lead.
He will go before you.
He will open the doors.
He will prepare their hearts.
Each person is different, will respond to different lures.
Seek God always where you should go, what you should do, follow Him.
And, when you are in the midst of a difficult discussion, seek His wisdom.
Some fish are easier to catch than others.
Some escape and swim away.
Whatever the case, this was a metaphor, which Jesus used often.
Something they could relate to.
Something we can relate to.
Don’t spend your time on simple earthly needs, preach the gospel.
Spread the good news.
Work in the Kingdom, for Jesus.
Share your testimony.
Be salt and light.
For though I be free from all men,
yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews;
to them that are under the law, as under the law,
that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law,
(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,)
that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:
I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23