Dad was a fisherman.  No, not professionally, but his first love was wading in the brook, casting his line to find the biggest trout. Most often he would leave the brook with a good catch filling his creel. There was always friendly competition among the guys to find the best spot – the spot where the “big ones” were biting.

Jesus understood fishermen. He knew a true fisherman would persist at his task for hours, on the mere possibility of making a great catch. Perhaps He concluded that only a true fisherman could appreciate the wonder of letting down those nets just one more time. So Jesus approached Peter, James and John that morning with the words, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  It was at the absolute wrong time of the day; they fished at night not in the morning.  Besides, they had already determined no fish were about. The nets had been cleaned and set to dry. The men were exhausted; they had worked all night. Could a carpenter know more about fishing than they did? Yet somewhat begrudgingly they did as He said. They cast off from shore to lower those nets one more time. We all know the results – more fish than they could even gather!

I think the story of the “great catch” is more than an account about an incredibly large catch of fish. For who would appreciate the wonder of this miracle more than a true fisherman. Peter, James and John were in awe; they fell at Jesus feet. He had “hooked” the fishermen. From that day on they would leave their nets and follow Jesus everywhere.

I don’t know what Dad thought when he read these accounts, but I do know his favorite Bible verse. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)  Like Peter, Dad put the Lord first. He was “hooked”.

Maybe you’re a fisherman too, maybe not;  but something has captured your attention and dedication. Something has been and is the focus of your life – maybe your career, your hobby, your family, your health. Yet above it all there is that “one thing”.  Like Peter you follow Jesus. You can dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of your life.  And why do you have that privilege? Because He loves you, He loves you unconditionally.

Judy

Read Luke 5:4-11