“Come with me and I will make you into fishers of men.”

Mark 1:14-20

After spending some time into the wee hours of the morning with a fisherman, some friends and I came to the conclusion that it is not an easy calling. What about the eerie darkness, buzzing insects, mosquito bites, personal risk and the prospect that the long hours of work might be fruitless.

Similarly, Jesus’ call to make his followers ‘fishers of men’ is not one of glamour, fame or fortune but it is no doubt challenging, fraught with pitfalls and hardships. As a modern day disciple I know that I want to be like Peter, Andrew, James and John who responded with alacrity, forsaking all, to follow. However, I often baulk, become frustrated, want to withdraw… then I recall our fisherman friend’s courage, patience, determination and resilience and so recognize that these qualities are essential for the call.

Lord, strengthen my resolve to become a true ‘fisher of men’ for your kingdom. Equip me with what I need. It is all your work and I am merely an instrument. Amen.

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash