Unlikely Catch
As I reflect on a memorable fishing trip with my three-year-old daughter Christy, I’m reminded of the joy that comes with discovering something new and unexpected. We were jigging for cod when our hook got caught on the bottom of the ocean floor. With a sudden jerk, the line freed itself, but instead of a fish, we pulled up a soft, long, and round sea cucumber. Christy’s face lit up with excitement as I explained to her that these creatures grow on the ocean floor. The thrill of that moment has stayed with me, and I’m reminded of a similar story in Luke chapter five.
A Miraculous Catch
In this biblical account, a group of fishermen had been out on the water all day without catching anything. It wasn’t until Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat that they experienced a miraculous catch. Despite their initial skepticism, they were astonished by the abundance of fish that filled their nets. This encounter led them to leave their old lives behind and become disciples of Jesus, tasked with spreading the Good News as “Fishers of Men.”
The Joy of Evangelism
There’s no greater joy than witnessing someone’s face light up with excitement as they grasp the reality of the Gospel. It’s a moment that fills my heart with hope and anticipation. As we embark on a new year, I pray that we’ll be equipped to share the love of Jesus with others, just as those fishermen shared their catch with their partners.
A Prayer for the Year
My prayer for you this week and throughout the year is that when God speaks, we’ll listen and obey, even if it means leaving our comfort zones behind. May we be willing to set our “nets” where He directs us, trusting that He’ll fill them to overflowing. And when we do, may we have the courage to call on our partners to help us bring in the harvest. “Lord, I pray that when You speak, we will listen, leaving whatever we have to, in order to set our nets where you tell us to set them. And then Lord, that You would fill these nets so full that we will have to call our partners to help us bring in the catch. Amen.”
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