Anyone who has ever fished...
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Anyone who has ever fished knows that there are days when the fish will not bite. Fishermen do not publicize the time they spend catching nothing. Those times are probably more frequent than talked about (even at prime fishing spots, and sometimes even with a guide). Sometimes it is a lack of skill. Often it is just luck. But the avid fisherman always goes out and tries again.
That said, you have to admire Fred Nelson, who, pushing 50, drove from Montana to southern British Columbia four times to fish in the Thompson River without catching a thing. On this fourth trip he had already fished a total of over 17 days, had felt only one hard pull on his line, and had caught no fish. Yet he still had an almost beatific smile on his face, his heart beat at the tips of his fingers every second his fly was on the water, as he fished all day from dawn to dark.
By helping the disciples catch this miraculous haul of fish, the risen Lord taught them that they would have joy as they went forth to be "fishers of men." As they spread the Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus would bless their venture, and they would "land" many to be his forever.
That said, you have to admire Fred Nelson, who, pushing 50, drove from Montana to southern British Columbia four times to fish in the Thompson River without catching a thing. On this fourth trip he had already fished a total of over 17 days, had felt only one hard pull on his line, and had caught no fish. Yet he still had an almost beatific smile on his face, his heart beat at the tips of his fingers every second his fly was on the water, as he fished all day from dawn to dark.
By helping the disciples catch this miraculous haul of fish, the risen Lord taught them that they would have joy as they went forth to be "fishers of men." As they spread the Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection, Jesus would bless their venture, and they would "land" many to be his forever.
