"Wanna go fishing?"

    Years ago I did quite a lot of fishing.  That was when I lived up in northern Minnesota, where we had lots of lakes nearby.  And yes, I've got some great fish stories!  (But I'm in church, so I suppose I can;t lie, I mean:  exaggerate.:)
    Let's just say I loved a good walleye and perch fish fry.  And I've had quite a few in my lifetime:  the kind where I caught the fish, prepared them, and ate them with my family.  So much more satisfying than buying the fish from a store, or sitting at a restaurant and eating whatever they served.
   In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus calls four fishermen to follow Him.  As we read in Mark 1:17, Jesus says, "Follow Me and I will make you fish for people."
   What does "fish for people" mean?  If we read on in the Gospel accounts, and in the rest of the New Testament, we see that it meant following Jesus, being with Him, learning from Jesus' teachings and eventually being sent out to others with the Good News of our Savior.
    This is sort of like fishing.  Because just like fishing from the shore or in a boat, so with fishing for people--one never knows if or how many will be caught.  That's why it's called fishing, not catching!
    With fishing for people, the catching is all up to God, as the Holy Spirit brings people to repentance and faith.  Our job, or can I say the wonderful opportunity we have, is to bring the Good News of Jesus to all people.
   So Happy Fishing, and yes I mean both for people, and if you like, for fish!

Pastor Steve