Following the Son

written by Michele Hughes

Have you ever had a bite? I mean a good one where the line clicks, the pole jerks, and you start cranking because you know “the big one” is on the end of the hook! If you have, you know the thrill!

I remember growing up with three brothers. Many summer vacations were spent driving to Rice Lake, Canada from Ohio where we would stay in cabins. We spent days fishing and evenings frying. My grandparents often went with us. We had a pond and a cabin in Ohio where we enjoyed many fishfrys as well.

Years passed and vacations looked different. My husband and I spent vacations in Orange Beach, Alabama. My parents often joined us. My dad was always the first one down to the water with all his fishing gear. After sunrise, I would go down and hear about his morning. He had talked to everyone who walked by. He knew what was biting, where they were from, and so much more. Then he’d gather up the fishing gear and we’d walk the beach and have life talks.

Over the years, I think Dad really enjoyed fishing for men more than he enjoyed the sport. This reminds me of the story of Peter in Luke 5:5-11 NIV:

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But, because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So, they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So, they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

And he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.

{Matthew 4:19 ESV}

And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.' Peter was a fisherman whom God made into a fisher of men. If you enjoy catching fish, wait till you fish for men!

{Mark 1:17 ESV}

42