Keep Your Line in the Water

I love to fish. No matter the fish size, species, or water environment.  Trout in small mountain streams, smallmouth bass in rivers, bluegill in farm ponds, black bass in reservoirs, pike in glacial lakes, and Snook, reds, shark, rays, or tarpon in saltwater.  Now, picture in your mind a place that is unique in its beauty to the eye. Now, picture fishing there and understand that no matter the type of water, there are has basic rules catching fish – current, cover, drop-offs, and the most important thing, key to catching fish, you have to have a line in the water. 

The picture of keeping your line in the water is the key for good fishermen.  That is why, as Jesus walked along the shore the Sea of Galilee he called out to two brothers, Peter and Andrew holding the line as they cast their net.  His words were also our call, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  

Jesus wants followers to adapt to the environment or culture, as we bring the same gospel message of salvation—the mission of all who claim to be Christ followers. A bad example was Jonah.  Jonah’s problem wasn’t being swallowed by a fish, oh no, it was that he hated the people who needed him to bring them the message of God.  Jonah refused to step into the big picture and keep his line in the water, being disobedient to God’s call, word, and mission.

On following Jesus,    

Owen <><