Let’s go fishing

After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. ‘The right time has come’, he said, ‘and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!’

As Jesus walked along the shore of lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them, ‘Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people’. At once they left their nets and went with him.  (verses 14-18)

Read Mark 1:14-28

If you follow Jesus, does that mean you have to give up your job and become a missionary? It sometimes means you have to give up your job. It always means that you become a missionary. From the moment you were called you were given the job of ‘catching people’.

So you have been called to be a missionary – probably right where you are. This doesn’t mean you find your ‘fish’ and then go and find a professional ‘fisher’ to catch it for you. There are people all around you whose life – eternal life ­depends on you being a good catcher of fish. A good fisher knows just when to strike; so will a good missionary. A good fisher knows what bait to use; so will a missionary. Jesus showed he has the power to help people with their mission; he offers you and me the same help.

Good fishing!

Jesus, I hear your call to follow you and to catch people for you. May I too respond immediately and do your work. Amen.

by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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