Growing up in central Louisiana provided many horticulture and fishing experiences for me. As a matter of fact, my father was an avid fisherman. My mother said that he would literally call the fish to himself when he fished because his fishing trips were usually 99% successful.

The Tackle Box

My father always made preparation for his fishing excursions. He prepared his tackle box which included lures, extra fishing twine, white cotton string for bamboo poles, sinkers, different size hooks, needle nose pliers, sharp knives, a machete for clearing a fishing path, insect repellent, to name a few.

Daddy secured bait. I can remember digging the grounds for worms and catching the green spring frogs with webbed feet. If he used the fishing net, he made sure that the rope was secure so that he would not lose any fish. He reviewed Richard Farmer’s Almanac for the best fishing days, prepared his clothing and shoes, and packed a few sandwiches to nibble on during the day. Everyone else in the home followed his lead. Everything was packed the day before the trip. The following morning, we were ready to go fishing.

Preparation for the Journey

One of the reasons my father had successful fishing trips was because he prepared us and himself for the journey. The preparation time was just as important as the adventure of fishing. Jesus said to his disciples, “Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men [all of mankind] (Matthew 4:19).”

Before Jesus ascended, he trained his disciples for the great big fishing trip. He said “Follow me” and take my tackle box filled with encouragement, teachings, equipment, and passion with you. To follow Christ is to identify with him, live the way he lived, and to be prepared for the scorn and rejection that we will experience along the way. As a result, we become fishers of men.

LET’S PRAY

Father God, make me a fisher of men (all mankind). I identify with your son, Jesus Christ. I accept your teachings in your holy Word as the tackle box for my journey. Holy Spirit, equip me, fill me with passion, and enable me to go through the difficulties that I may experience along the way. Holy Spirit, prepare your church to become fishers of men, in the name of Jesus, Amen!

~inspiring hope & seasoning faith, Dr. Regina M. Daigre, Servant Leadership Pastor

P.S.: Hallelujah! Praise God for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.