Fisherman - Part 3

DateLine (3/14/07 – Nanuet, NY)

“Welcome to live coverage of the 2007 edition of The Angler’s Cup. This is day one of the largest fishing tournament in the world and we’re happy to be here to bring it to you courtesy of our sponsor Legacy Lures. Our reporting begins today with the venue, the venerable Hallowed Hall; a historic location here in Sweet Pond, Georgia. As most of you know this annual event rotates among some of the largest venues in the world but none more steeped in tradition than this place. The participants in this week’s tournament earn their way to The Cup via weekly qualifiers held in fishing halls worldwide.”

“We had a chance earlier to meet with some of the favorites for the coveted Cup and we’re going to roll some of that video now. Our first interview is with Jane Banksitter; veteran lady angler.” “Jane, can you share with us your strategy for this year’s event.” “I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Hallowed all year. Fortunately I didn’t have to worry about qualifying since I’ve got an eternal bye based on my 1965 world championship. My strategy is real simple; I’m really here for the pageantry, you know. I’ve paid my dues and had my time; I’m more interested in hanging out here in the hall. Isn’t this a great old lady? My favorite part of the week is the awards banquet later in the week; old friends – you know! The food is to die for. Until then I’m just hanging out and soaking up all that this truly historic event has to offer.” “Thanks, Jane. Enjoy yourself.”

“That’s was an interesting perspective from one of the veterans. It’s a shame we won’t be seeing her on the water today. Hey, there’s Sam Conventional. Let’s work our way over and get a few words from him. Sam, Sam! Over here. What’s on your mind as we get ready for the starting gun?” “Well I brought my lucky tackle box. My best friends in the world are in that box. I’ve had most of my lures since my granddaddy bought them for me when I was a kid. I couldn’t imagine a tournament without them. I am a little disappointed in some of the sportswriters who seem to be on my case lately. Listen, here’s my philosophy; these lures are what got me here and I just feel like I’d be letting my ole granddaddy down if I traded them in on some new ones. I know it’s been a while since I’ve had a good tournament but I feel like if I just hang in there and be true to myself, the magic will return.” “Thanks Sam. Good luck today.”

“Let’s go over and speak to some of the spectators. I’m always amazed at how many show up to this event – funny they never even get to the water – I guess they’re just motivated to be here and hang out with the fishermen. What’s your name and where are you from?” “I’m Joe Pewman, from Five Forks, South Carolina. I just love being here. I wouldn’t miss it, I’m here every year. How do you like my vest? It’s a Sam Conventional classic. He’s my man - I could watch him fish all day long. His TV show is the greatest; those classic old lures; some of my best napping. I’d like to say hi to my wife Ann and kids back home; Veronica – that’s my 12 year old daughter, and Sammy – that’s my son – I named him after my hero.” “Thanks Joe. I’m sure the folks back in South Carolina wish they were here.”

“One last interview; Ralph Humbler. Come over here. Ralph, what’s your secret? Year in and year out you always seem to be in the hunt. Come on, how do you do it?” “Well, it ain’t no secret. My Daddy was a fisherman. I learned from Him - just watching and listening. He seemed to always know where the fish were. That’s the real secret. You gotta be where the fish are. Equipment’s not near as important as location. I ain’t much for all these fancy parties and stuff. I just love to be on the water. Daddy’s been gone a long time now but somehow when I’m out there at dawn I feel Him close by pointing the way to the fish. It’s all I ever want to do.” “Thanks Ralph. Not a nicer gentlemen in the contest.”

Now for the point. I’ve spent the last two weeks using words like passion, state-of-the-art, camaraderie, persistence, flexibility, adaptive, innovative, lifestyle, investment, commitment, focus, endurance, dedication, precision and efficiency to describe sport and commercial fishing. In the satire above its painfully clear that these words for the most part cannot be used to describe the efforts of the church as it pursues one of the primary purposes, evangelism. The words that come to mind are more like misguided, tradition, outdated, lack of purpose, and lack of commitment.

Jesus used the fisherman hook to call two of His disciples; Simon and Andrew who themselves knew full well the fisherman lifestyle in that they were fisherman by trade. With just a few words Jesus set expectations and described the objective; when we fish out the hole; move on; when the lure is not working; change it; be willing to work at it; it’s not easy; use leading edge equipment and methodologies. Church, what are we doing? We’re fishermen, we’re not socialites.

Jesus extends an invitation to anyone willing to respond, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19

Let’s get on the “water.”