I know very little about fishing, except that I enjoy it. I am unfamiliar with the terms of the equipment, know very little of the ways of fish and their habitat, and often fall into the traps laid by a true novice. However, I enjoy my time and always leave wishing that I could stay for more.
Yesterday, I spent an hour casting, moaning over near hits and misses, and reflecting on how similar I behaved to most fish. I watch different bait going by in life, take a hit or two, but never really bite with conviction and belief. I often view God as the fisherman I see poorly through the looking glass of water, never really sure what he is up to or if the bait will be good for me or not!
There were two good strikes that I failed to land. For these large (well maybe 7 inch) fish, I really did not even get the hook to set well; such is my skill! However, the sun was bright and clear, a light breeze blew across the water, I could see and hear fish jumping in the lake, and life was at peace.
God is far more than a fisherman looking for the perfect catch. The analogy of God fishing for us works to a point, however one quickly begins to questions the player’s motive in this metaphor. Is God out to “catch” us? Does God use real bait or something artificial? What happens after we are caught? Does our life quickly pass before our eyes as we are readied for the fire? Does God choose his fish carefully with a select catch and release?
God is looking for your and me, no doubt about that! God will not use anything untrue to “catch” us; in fact, he gives each of us an unconditional gift and lets us choose if we will follow Him as a friend. God does not look to each us; rather “the Messiah…puts everything right for those who trust him to do it.” (Romans 10.5)
Catch me God.
