“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Cleaning Fish
One of the worst parts of fishing is cleaning your catch. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
In my family, that someone is usually me. I’ll never forget the time my wife and I went fishing in Tampa Bay. It was one of those fishing trips during which everything clicked. Fish after fish struck our bait. By the end of the day, our arms ached from fighting and landing dozens of fish, but I didn’t care. I was having too much fun — until it came time to clean the fish. Then the fun ended and the work began.
Jesus knew a lot about fishing. He lived on the Sea of Galilee, where many of his friends made their living catching fish. In fact, he invited his fishermen friends to trade in their nets and become fishers of men. And by extension, he invites us to take up the same task — fishing for people. He wants us to seek out those we might lead to Him for rescue.
One of the best things about being a fisher of men is that we don’t have to clean what we catch. God does the cleaning (Luke 5:21, 1 John 1:9). Of course, we are called at times to invite people to change by playing the role of encourager or confronter, but it’s not our job to “clean” or change anyone. That’s God’s business.
To a fisherman (both marine and human) such as I am, it’s a relief to know that I don’t bear the responsibility to change those I have the privilege of seeing place their faith in Christ. My job is simply to cast the net.
— Jeff Olson
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
