FISHERMEN BE THERE
On the fifth day of creation, God created fish. On the sixth day, God created man and He said “---and let them rule over the fish of the sea---“. Ever since creation, fishermen have been trying to catch fish. For most American fishermen, fishing is a sport. However, in Jesus’ time and in many parts of the world today, fishing was and is a livelihood and a major food source.
Jesus was a carpenter by trade, but he was also a great fisherman. On two occasions, he told Simon Peter, a professional fisherman who was catching nothing, where to fish and Simon then nearly capsized his boat with fish, (Luke 5:4-11 and John 21:2-11) The second miraculous catch (153 fish) occurred after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus cooked and ate some of the fish for breakfast with several of the disciples. Real fishermen eat fish for breakfast.
Of the 12 disciples, the first four selected were fishermen. The three core disciples, Peter, John and James, were all fishermen. Can you believe that Jesus’ closest friends were fishermen? These fishermen became fishers of men, following Jesus for three years and then became leaders of the early church.
Fishing for men to bring them to a saving knowledge of Christ is like fishing for fish only far more exciting. Are you a fisher of men? Where is your fishing spot? What are you using for bait? Are you catching your limit? Like He did for Simon Peter, Jesus will determine when and where you will be successful. Follow His fishing guide (Bible) on how to fish for men.
If you have not believed in Jesus as your personal savior and Lord, He is fishing for your soul. In Matthew 13:47-50, Jesus told a fishing story. “Once again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” This is not a “Fish Story” exaggerating the truth but is the reality of the judgment to come to all.
The righteous, through Jesus’ sacrifice, will enjoy eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and His fishing buddies John, Peter, James and Andrew. He wants you to BE THERE. Can you imagine the fishing stories we will share in Heaven? “Let me tell you about the day I tried to walk on the water”. “Remember that day we caught 3000 new believers?”
Will there be fishing in Heaven? Revelation 22:1&2 describe a flowing river with fruit trees along the banks. The prophet Ezekiel had a vision of Heaven describing the river. “Fishermen will stand along the shore; from El Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds --- like the fish of the Great Sea. Ezekiel 47:10
Fishermen will BE THERE. Be sure that you will BE THERE to fish with the best for eternity.
