Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Gone Fishing (02/01/07)
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TITLE: Fishers of Men (i) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Maryolyn Payne
02/01/07 -
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And he saith unto them, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”
(Matt. 4:19 KJV)
Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, John, and James sat around the glowing campfire on the shore of the sea of Tiberias. Peter sat silently, something he seldom did. His friends took notice of his contemplative expressions. Thomas was the one who finally spoke. “You seem to be in deep thought, Peter. Is something bothering you? We have never seen you this quiet before. Seeing you speechless is a scary thing,” he teased. All, but Peter, had a hearty laugh.
“Well, with that, I’m going out fishing,” he said starting toward the boat anchored at the edge of the sea.
The other fishermen stood quickly to their feet. “We wish to go with you, Peter, if that is alright with you,” said Nathanael.
“Yes,” the others agreed.
“Come then. Maybe I will be able to have some quiet, that is if the four of you are capable of it,” he laughed good naturedly.
“We promise!”
“Promises, promises!
Leaving the shore the sails were quickly raised. Swiftly moving into deeper waters, just off the shore, they were ready for a prosperous night of fishing; already anticipating their catch.
Casting their nets for the first catch of the night, they patiently waited. When no fish were to be found they cast from the bough of the boat thinking that might be more profitable. Nothing! Hour after hour they changed to another spot, but no fish!
Close to daybreak the five were tiring and began to grumble and be irritable. “Why don’t we just call it a night and head in, Peter? There are no fish; lets just admit it,” Thomas grumbled.
“Soon, Thomas. Be patient a while longer,” Peter answered. Deep inside Peter agreed it had been a total waste of time. He felt complete despair, but was determined to maintain control of the anger he felt.
Soon the sun began to peak over the horizon. Birds began to awaken letting their joy be known. The waves settled into silence. As the five prepared to go to the shore, they saw a figure they didn’t recognize standing near the place they built their fire.
“Who is that?” asked Nathanael.
“Haven’t a clue,” retorted Peter. “Doesn’t matter, he has nothing to do with us. Let’s head in.”
A clear, strong voice asked, “Children, do you have any meat?”
“No! None!”
“Cast out your nets on the right side of your boat.”
Because of the authority of the voice, they obeyed. Within minutes they were not able to pull the multitude of fish into the boat. Recognizing the actions and voice of the figure, John excitedly spoke, “Peter, it is the Lord.”
As soon as Peter realized it to be the truth, he spontaneously covered his nakedness with his fisher’s coat, because he was naked, and plunged into the sea. He swam vigorously to the shore to be with Jesus.
As the fishermen moved the boat toward the land, they pulled the net full of fish with them. They could already see that the Master had built a fire, laid out fish, and bread.
As they drew near, Jesus called to them, “Bring me some of the fish you caught.”
One hundred and fifty three large fish were brought in. They marveled that the net had not broken. Carrying some fish to Jesus they kept silent, in awe of their Master.
Jesus said, “Come, eat.”
Eating the meal Jesus prepared, they remained astonished that this was the third time Jesus came to them since He arose from death.
“Peter, do you love Me more than these men?” Jesus asked. His piercing brown eyes cut Peter’s heart.
“Lord, You know that I love You!” he answered softly.
“Feed My sheep!” Again Jesus asked, “Peter, do you love me?”
Beginning to weep, Peter fell on his knees, “Lord, I worship you.”
“Feed my sheep.” The third time he asked, “Do you truly love Me?”
Barely able to whisper, Peter passionately replied, “Lord, I truly do.”
“Feed my sheep!”
Turning to leave, He spoke to all of His disciples, “Go and tell all people our Father loves them. Feed them truth of who I am; for I have made you to be first, fishers of men.”
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