Through Jesus’ eyes

Jesus knows where the fish are!

I never was much of a fisherman.

During my childhood days, I’d occasionally take my entry-level Zebco rod and reel down to Spencer’s pond to see if anything was biting. I don’t think I ever caught a bass—just the smallish bream that we’d always throw back. There was one kid, Keith, in the neighborhood who caught more than anyone—regularly pulling in sizeable largemouth bass.

I used to assume that Keith succeeded just because he had better tackle than I. Eventually, I had to admit he was just a better fisherman. He seemed to know where the fish were.

Part of the problem with fishing is that you can’t see what you’re fishing for. No other sport is like that. The free throw shooter in basketball can see the hoop. The 300-pound football lineman can see who he is supposed to block. The race car driver can see the track. Even hunters don’t shoot until they see their target. But fisherman never see the fish until they are on the hook or in the net.

Luke tells about a particularly frustrating night of fishing for Simon Peter and his fishing crew. They had “toiled all night and took nothing” (Luke 5:5). So, Jesus’ instruction to “put out into the deep and let down” for a catch (Luke 5:4) hardly seemed like a blessing.

Soon their nets were breaking, and their boats were sinking from the miraculous catch.

Jesus knows where the fish are.

The story isn’t just about the tilapia in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus told the disciples that they would soon be “catching men.” The story is about the advancement of the kingdom. It’s about Christ’s power to move us into our destinies.

Jesus knows where your fish are. He knows where, and in what way, you will be most productive. He knows where you should cast your net. Whether you are running a big company, raising three small children, or teaching a Sunday School class, Jesus knows the path to effectiveness.

Make it your simple prayer: “Jesus, where are my fish?” He’ll show you the best fishing spots. And that’s the Gospel!