Largemouth Believers

In the late 80’s early 90’s a couple of close friends introduced me to bass fishing. I never thought I would be interested. Our families would go camping together and as I watched them get up just as the sun was rising and push their canoes out onto the water, I would say to myself, “Nah. I think I’ll get some more sleep.” Especially, when they returned with nothing. “No. We catch and release the fish.” Huh? You spent all that money on equipment. All that time (early in the morning) on the water and you just put them back? That made even less sense to me. What was the point?

Then my middle son, Justin, began to show an interest and even though my good friend Doug was happy to take him, I thought this was something his dad should do, so I got myself a pole and some tackle and headed out.

First, I have to mention, there is something very peaceful about being out on calm water as the sun is coming up. Then, you cast. Sometimes, you cast again and again and again, and nothing. Hours might go by, but suddenly there is a tug at the end of your line. You fishing pole bends toward the water. Your pulse races. Your breathing quickens. Adrenaline starts pumping as you realize that’s a fish! You pull back hoping not to let him get away. Over the next few minutes there is a tug of war between you and largemouth bass going on. Eventually, you get him to the boat and lift him inside. The feeling is indescribable. You feel like you won! Like a pioneer providing food for his family. It is an awesome sense of accomplishment. All kidding aside, I was hooked! No matter how long it was between catches (There is often a lot of time in between. It’s why they call it fishing not catching.) the excitement never subsided. Each time was just as thrilling as the first. It’s been that way ever since. I highly recommend it. Bass (largemouth or smallmouth), pickerel, perch, flyfishing for trout, or sun fish. The rush is the same. 

I wonder if that’s why Jesus called fishermen to be disciples. In Luke 5:1-11 we read,

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me – I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. 

Fishing takes dedication, patience, and persistence, but when you do hook a fish, you soon realize it is all worth it! The same goes for sharing the gospel. You may do so again and again and often end up with nothing. No takers. However, when someone does respond, there is nothing like it! Your pulse races. Your breathing quickens. Your adrenaline starts pumping as you realize that someone is now secure in their salvation. They will one day enter the kingdom of heaven and live with God forever. That feeling is truly indescribable.

So, go cast a line. Fish for some people. It does take resolve and devotion, but the excitement never subsides.    

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