Epiphany........ Revealing the Life of Jesus. A Devotional for The 4th Sunday January 30

I looked at the map. And it made me wonder. What was Jesus' fascination with the Sea of Galilee? Nazareth is a good 17 miles away, not including Mt. Tabor which lies between. We're not told why the Sea was of interest to him, but it's obvious as we read the Gospels that he was very familiar with the nuances of the layout of the area. He also was so comfortable with the ability of the locals that he even went to sleep in the brewing storm and had to be awakened from the back of the boat in order to calm his troubled disciples. And the storm. Now, mind you, fully 1/3 of his 12 disciples had grown up on that body of water. Peter, Andrew, James and John were parts of family fishing enterprises who knew that body of water as well as anyone. Twice, TWICE they were astounded when Jesus told them to let down their nets on the "other side" of the boat, and both times the amount of the catch was staggering. Now, I love to fish. There is absolutely nothing better to move across a body of water and sneak into a favorite cove where history has proven the fish to be. Oh, they're sneaky things. Fickle too. And unlike those fisherman of old, casting a net would not be a legal thing for me to do. So, the presentation has to be exactly right. The bait must appear natural, and alluring to those fickle creatures of stringer fodder. Carefully, oh so carefully the bait is attached, or the lure tied on. A quick flick of the wrist, and the soft splash of the water as the bait invades the fish where they lay. The anticipation mounts as the jig settles near the bottom, and the challenge of enticing those beautiful creatures into hitting begins. And slowly, as the retrieve ensues, the anticipation mounts until WHAM, the pole jumps, the line jerks, the quick backward motion of the hook being set, and the battle begins. Water swirls and the fish jumps majestically, twisting and turning in a life saving attempt to throw the hook. Keep the pole tip up. Keep the line taut. Be sure the drag isn't over tightened. Slip the landing net into the water and bring the fish to it. And then, scoop up with the net, and the stringer is loaded. Catching men, Jesus said. Catching them, not to feed off their weaknesses, but to renew their strength in order to send them back into the world as light and salt for their communities and neighborhoods. "I will MAKE of you fishers of men." Quite a creative process. It actually sounds like it's not a talent that most of us would already have. What is Christ making of you today? As he walks the shoreline of your life, are you hearing him call? Exactly what is it that he would love to make you into? Take the time to ask him. It may make his 17 mile walk worth his effort. Now, who would WANT that? Joe Hittle, Ottumwa, IA, USA Lord, just as Christ walked the shores of the Sea of Gallilee, seeking followers in His day, may we walk along the shores of our daily lives, seeking those who need to find Your touch upon their lives. In the Name of our wonderful Savior we pray. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 24, 29] [Gen. 18:16-23] [Gal. 5:13-25] [Mark 8:22-30] Visit 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Return to Epiphany Entry Page You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Jan. 29, 1:15 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace The background set is provided by Dani's Delusions Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.