Mike’s Musings …

Gone Fishing

   It has been at least four years since I last “wet a line.” Even then, the fishing was done with my grandson and while my last, it was his first! He caught four bass and a bluegill, and together we made a tremendous memory. Today, my neighbor invited me to go with him sometime and I accepted his kind invitation. Now as to when that time might arrive, who knows? But the Lord willing, I’ll be ready!

   Fishing for men isn’t a great deal different than regular fishing. You need some bait, a line, pole and a hook, and a great deal of patience. That latter item is often more critical than the other necessities. Fish usually aren’t as eager to be caught as the fisherman is to catch them! Often the fish will nibble at the bait several times before it decides to accept it entirely. At other times, once it tastes the bail, it refuses to return, and the fisherman is left disappointed!

   The same is true with men’s souls. The “bait” is God’s word and that alone is the only “bait” righteous fishers of men can use! As you endeavor to cast it into the hearts of those souls you desire to save, some will nibble at it for a very long time before accepting it and allowing it to capture their hearts and obey its commandments. Others having tasted it will spit it out of their mouths and never be enticed with it again. The fisher of men must exhibit great patience in such cases as again, he can’t use any other item to capture the soul of the sinner, and sometimes, he must accept another righteous fisher of men might be able to capture that soul with the same bait, but by using a different way of presenting to the soul!

   My neighbor is more a bass fisherman than bluegill. Me? Just the joy of feeling that tug on the line is satisfying, and the reward of catching a fish, regardless of size or type is great reward. As for souls, it’s the same: the satisfaction that there are some souls that will nibble consistently grants hope of their eventual capture by the gospel of Christ. Those souls who do accept the gospel and obey it are the most gratifying, regardless of who or what they once were; for after obedience, they are God’s children and brethren in Christ Jesus!

   I muse on how often we go fishing for men. We don’t need an invitation to go: our Lord commanded it (Matthew 28:19 – 20). So, let’s go fishing for men … let’s go now!