FISHERS OF MEN

Musick-al Note # 225
Peter and Andrew were busy in the business of fishing in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus walked by and called them to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18-20). He called them to change their occupation from casting nets for the fish of the sea to the greater and higher occupation of preaching the gospel of the kingdom. It is a far greater thing to be able to catch men for the kingdom of heaven than to catch fish for an earthly living or for the modern practice of sport.
When one goes fishing, he prepares for the occasion by making sure his tackle and equipment are ready for he knows that he cannot land a fish without it. He chooses the bait or lures with care and when he arrives at the place he has chosen to fish, he uses all the knowledge he has acquired to be able to catch and land the fish. In order to keep the fish he catches, the fisherman makes sure his stringer or basket will retain the fish he does catch. He is then able to return home with rejoicing for he brings his catch with him.
Here is an analogy that we can use in our working for the Master in catching men for the kingdom of God. When we go out to “catch” men we do not have to be concerned with the “bait” for God has given us the magnificent drawing power of the lifted up Jesus, which will draw men to obey His will (John 12:32). Then we must make sure that our “tackle” is in working order. Our “tackle” is our ability to use the Word of God. When we begin to “fish for men’ we must use the knowledge we have acquired to cause men to see Christ and to believe in Him that they might be saved (John 20:30-31, Acts 4:12). We must teach the Word and nothing else (1 Timothy 3:16 – 4:4). If we are not familiar with the Bible and cannot find the scriptures necessary to teach and cannot direct others in their search for Biblical truths, then our “tackle” is not in proper working order.
After one obeys the gospel of Christ, we must accept and draw them into a close fellowship in the church. The church is God’s appointed place to keep men that are “caught” for eternity. If we fail to “keep” them for the trip home. It will be our loss as well as theirs so we need to work to be sure that we retain those who do obey the gospel of Christ. When we do our work well, catch souls for the eternal home, keep them faithful until the end, we can doubtless go to our eternal home rejoicing with the souls we have caught with the glorious gospel of the Lord.
Gordon Musick