Campers and Catechisms
Mark 1:16-18
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
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Max Lucado tells the story of when he was a young boy, his dad came in the house one day and announced that they were going fishing for the weekend, and that Max could invite a friend to go along. Max didn’t have to think very long - - he would take his best friend Tommy. The week went by slowly for the two boys, as they eagerly anticipated the big day.
Friday finally came, and they loaded up the camper and headed for the mountains. On the way up, they happily sang songs and shared jokes with each other, thoroughly enjoying each others’ company. The weather report wasn’t encouraging, but they were hoping for the best. Max’s dad found a spot near the lake and set up camp for the weekend. They went to bed thinking about how great the fishing would be the next morning.
They woke up earlier than normal, not because they were excited about the fishing, but because the torrential rain turned the small camper into a giant drum! It was clear to them that there would be no fishing - - at least for a while.
As the day wore on, the rain continued without letup. They made the best of it, playing games and singing songs. But, the later it became, the more disappointed they got. Their disappointment then turned to frustration, and frustration turned to harsh words between Max and Tommy. As they went to bed, they were hoping against hope that the weather would clear before morning, so at least they could fish until noon, when they had to head for home.
When they woke up, all was silent in the camper. Excitedly, they opened the door to find that the torrential rain had turned to . . . a blizzard of snow! Max’s dad announced that they would have to leave immediately, further darkening Max’s mood.
All the way home, Max and Tommy were at each others’ throats. They argued, called each other names, and then fell into a deep, dark, silence that reflected their total disgust for one another. Just 48 hours earlier, they had been best friends. Now, they couldn’t stand to even be in the same truck together!
The moral of this story is:
THOSE WHO DON’T FISH . . . FIGHT!
In Luther’s Small Catechism, we’re told that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us at our baptism. He is always with us, as He “calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies” His church and His children. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for our sins, this Counselor was sent to “guide us into all truth” and to “tell [us] what is yet to come” (John 16:13). It is only by the Holy Spirit that we can do anything good in God’s eyes - - or, more correctly stated, it is only by God working through us by the Holy Spirit that anything good is ever accomplished - - even fishing for men!
This is something I’ve never been able to understand. I can’t trust my neighbor with my lawnmower, and yet God entrusts me with His Gospel to share with the world! And there is no Plan B! So, by the Holy Spirit within me, I am enabled to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me wherever I go, to share with whomever I meet. Remarkable!
As we gather in congregations, this is Job One - - to spread the Gospel according to the Great Commission. By our worship, study, and fellowship together we are equipped and prepared for this good work.
But, just like Max and Tommy, we haven’t been fishing enough lately. We have focused on ourselves instead of the lost, on our own worries instead of the blessings of God. Our faith has become irrelevant to those around us, and we shrink from sharing the reason for our hope.
It’s time to get fishing! It’s time to simply share our hearts with those around us, whether they are lifetime friends or new acquaintances, to connect them with the Triune God who has chosen to dwell within us.
Being “fishers of men” is quite simple, really. It’s not necessarily knocking on doors, handing out tracts, or preaching on the corner. But it is keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to grow a relationship - - and by so doing, connecting that friend with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So . . . let’s get to fishing! Because you know what happens to those who don’t fish!
Tight lines!