I Will Make You Fishers of Men

[Murph]

I Will Make You Fishers of Men

We recently took our kids fishing. Taking four young, inexperienced children to fish for the afternoon is a lot of work, just ask my husband. I’m not too helpful when it comes to catching literal fish. There are hooks caught deep under fallen trees in the water, there are hooks snagged high overhead in still standing trees. There are many knots to be tied. And bait to be rigged. Endless showing, telling, teaching, reminding, laughing, crying, encouraging, patience, impatience, frustration, and … temptation to just give up and go for a swim.

But, then a fish is caught by Dad, such excitement, rejoicing and childhood wonder. And the renewed desire to catch one of their own.

It made me recall the story of Peter, the professional, fishing all night and not catching any. And how the Lord told him to go back out and cast his net on the other side. His private thoughts may have included sentiments, such as “what does a Rabbi think he’s doing telling me how to fish? I’m tired, it’s time to sleep; I can head out again next night.”

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