Fishing in the Dark

It was a week of so after the resurrection of the Jesus. Apparently Peter was feeling a bit perplexed about the situation, and he announces, “I’m going fishing”. Six of his buddies follow suit and they go out all night, and don’t catch a thing. (See John 21 for the full story.)

They meet daybreak with a flash back to three years prior. Seeing a man upon the shore, he calls out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No, we haven’t any.” “Cast your net on the right side of the boat.” They catch a large mess of fish, and then one of them recognizes him. It is Jesus. Peter jumps out of the boat and heads for the shore, and they all share breakfast at the lake with the Jesus.

Three years earlier, they encountered Jesus in a similar situation. Jesus tells Peter to put out into deep water for a catch. Again, Peter had been fishing all night, and had not caught a thing. But because the Master said so, he did it; and the result? Yes, a large mass of fish. Greater still, they left their boats and nets, and they followed Jesus. (See Luke 5 for the full story.)

For today’s cop; it would be like leaving the police car on the side of the road with the lights and sirens still running … gone to follow Jesus. For a soldier in the army, it’s like laying your weapons down on the battlefield and walking off. For the modern day accountant, leave the IRS forms lying on the desk … gone to follow Jesus.

The experience of Peter and the other disciples a week or so after the resurrection of Jesus was a not so subtle reminder. It’s a reminder that you and I need also. The disciples had gone back to their old profession. They went back to fishing for fish, when Jesus taught them to be fishers of men.

Most fishermen know that that you can get good results in the dark. The fish are drawn to the light. The disciples’ light was maybe a bit dim at this point. Maybe they were wandering a bit about what to do. Then Jesus’ reminder and challenge came to Peter…

Do you love me? … Feed my lambs.
Do you love me? … Take care of my sheep.
Do you love me? … Feed my sheep.

Have you forgotten the call? Do you remember what Christ called us to do?

Easter Sunday is over, but the call is still there. Let’s us put down our worldly priorities. Set aside your worldly ambitions and worries. It’s time to go fishing in the dark. Not for fish using large nets, but fishing for men, using the light of the Risen Savior.