“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19 New International Version)
I have a great-granddaughter who attends Sunday School, worship service, children’s service, well you name it, and she is there. If any of our ministries offer something for her age, she is present. She is a “fish,” from a positive point of view. Here some recent signs that she is a “fish,” a person who has been hooked on God. See what you think. In her first-grade classroom at her public school, she asked her teacher if she could pray in front of the class. Notice I said, “public school” and not a Christian School. Then, on a Sunday, not so long ago, she came to the back of where I stand where pastors usually stand so I can shake the hands of members as they depart. My little “fish” leaned patiently on the back pew, oppositive of where I was standing. She is probably like me, because I have learned that patience, help me Jesus, has its limits. She had waited long enough. So, before a few members had yet to make it to the back of the church, my great granddaughter came to me, pulled on my arm and said, “Come with me.” She led me to the pulpit at a pretty rapid pace, and said, “I want to speak from here.” She positioned herself at the podium as if she was looking out to an awaiting congregation. I asked her did she want to give a Teaching Emphasis, one of the features of our morning worship service. She said, “Yes,” simultaneously shaking her head to reinforce her affirmative response. I let her know that we will make that happen soon and that the Director of Christian Education would be talking with her about doing a Teaching Emphasis. There is more to this story! One more recent sign. Just this past Sunday, at the end of the service she said to me, “Your name is the same as the second book in the New Testament.” I asked her what is the name of the book and she replied with no hesitation at all, “Mark.”
I am convinced that she is a “fish” and as fishers, we must not take care of this catch. We must not throw her back in the pond, if you know what I mean. In a few weeks, she will “deliver” her first Teaching Emphasis. Now she loves to dialogue, regardless of your age, so I might have to tap her on the shoulder when her time limit for the Teaching Emphasis has come or I might have to teach her how to start out with that proverbial statement, “I won’t keep you long.” I said “might” because I may just want to hear more of what she has to say.
In any case she is an example of what to do when we catch a “fish” inasmuch as we are fishers, made fishers by our decision to follow Jesus Christ. I’m serious now! We need to apply some fishermen techniques with all our catches, whether the “fish” is a child, a young adult, or an older adult. Fishermen techniques: (1) Since you plan on keeping the “fish” make sure he/she is cleaned properly. You don’t need any special equipment other than the word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit. Prayer will also be a great help. Praising the observed sanctification growth that you see in your dialogue with a freshly caught “fish” will help. Employ that’s an old Key Principle taught in industry: Maintain and enhance self-esteem. (2) As with cleaning a real fish, make sure that the waste that once covered the fish is disposed of properly. You can do that by continuing to teach the truth that will not allow wasteful parts, like errant thoughts and sinful habits that once existed, to remain part of the “fish.” (3) Follow the rules for fishermen. In your case, as a fisher of people, be sure to especially follow the ones that say, “Love one another” and “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” (4) Enjoy your “catch.” Interact! Engage in conversation! Let the fact that you love their presence among the saints be known! Don’t forget about the “fish” once the fish is caught.
If you are a fisher of people: men, women, boys, and girls, great! If you have not been fishing, don’t you think it is about time for you to get started. If you have been fishing for a long time, but you have not caught a “fish” yet, cast your net into the waters, again! Jesus will help you cast your nets on the right side, in the right way, with the right technique, and with the rightful optimism! Be blessed!
“Jesus spoke to them: “Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?” They answered, “No.” He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.” (John 21:5-6 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King