Fishing For People
FISHING FOR PEOPLE
Read Matthew 4:18-22.
Grandpa stretched out lazily on the creek bank. Tamara shifted restlessly. “The fish aren’t biting here. Let’s try another spot, Grandpa,” she suggested.
“This is the third spot we’ve tried,” Grandpa reminded her. “Relax.”
Tamara sighed. As her cork rocked on the gentle waves, she sighed again.
“Something bothering you?” asked Grandpa.
“Yeah,” said Tamara. “I’ve invited six girls to church this week, and not one is going to come. I think I’ll quit inviting anybody to church.” Grandpa wrinkled his brow as he looked at Tamara. Then he sat up and started reeling in his line. Tamara jumped up. “You got a bite?” she asked excitedly.
Grandpa shook his head. “No. I’m quittin’.”
“But Grandpa, we’ve got all afternoon,” Tamara argued.
“Yeah, but we’ve been here long enough, and we haven’t caught one fish. I’m giving up fishing for good.” He stood up. “Pull in your line.”
“Please, let’s wait a little longer,” Tamara pleaded.
As Grandpa checked his bait, he gave his granddaughter a crooked grin. “Well, if you’re sure. I just thought you were ready to quit. If you give up that easy fishing for people, I reckoned you would soon tire of fishing for fish, too.”
Tamara smiled. “I get the message, Grandpa. When we get home, I’ll call Louisa and invite her to church.”
Grandpa tossed his line back into the water. “That’s more like it,” he said. “Just because the fish aren’t biting today, it doesn’t mean we give up fishing.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does it seem like you’re wasting your time inviting your friends to church or witnessing in other ways? Don’t be discouraged. Sooner or later someone will take the bait. Just keep on fishing.
TO MEMORIZE:
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
Mark 1:17
KEEP WITNESSING.
From the book
