Over many years, as a result of human greed and over-fishing, fish stocks have been diminishing. The end result of such activity is that the the seas are emptied of many species of fish.
So, in the long term, it makes sense to cut fishing quotas - because it is not true that there are 'plenty more fish in the sea'.
But many of Jesus' first followers were fishermen, because there were plenty more fish in the sea', in the case of the Sea of Galilee.
They were working to provide food for the residents of ancient Galilee and Judea. For those who couldn't get fresh fish - no refrigeration or speedy transport links, of course - salt fish was a precious delicacy.
Jesus' call to his first followers was linked to their employment experience. 'One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.' (Mark 1.16-18)
All of us are called to share this 'fishing for people' role.
All of us come across people, through our work, leisure, friendships and daily life. In our case, there are 'plenty more fish in the sea'! On Goldsworth Park, there are 4,800 properties, and we delivered our Christmas publicity to every one! That is at least the start of the fishing process.
Over this next week - we are SEVEN days from Christmas Day - we will have plenty of opportunities, with the help of Jesus, and the 'reason for the season', to point people to see why we all need to know and trust Jesus.
Please pray that we will be faithful and effective in doing our fishing over this next week.
Best wishes,
Richard
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