1. Being an Optimistic Fisher of Man
Taken from:The Key Element of Successful Fishing (for Fish or Men):
Optimism
By: MICHAEL J. KRUGER
2. Story of Joe
One of the most enjoyable aspects of his life was to
go fishing almost every day.
As I have reflected on this week’s lesson, I was
reminded again of Luke 5:1-11
3. Luke 5:1-2 NIV
“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of
Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him
and listening to the word of God. He saw at the
water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen,
who were washing their nets.”
4. Luke 5:3-4 NIV
“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to
Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.
Then he sat down and taught the people from the
boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to
Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the
nets for a catch.””
5. Luke 5:5-6 NIV
“Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all
night and haven’t caught anything. But because you
say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had
done so, they caught such a large number of fish
that their nets began to break.”
6. Luke 5:7 NIV
“So they signaled their partners in the other boat to
come and help them, and they came and filled both
boats so full that they began to sink.”
7. “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees
and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful
man!” For he and all his companions were
astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,”
Luke 5:8-9 NIV
8. Luke 5:10-11 NIV
“and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee,
Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t
be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So
they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything
and followed him.”
9. Where Jesus not only calls his disciples while they
are fishing, but describes their future ministries as
one that will be filled with fishing—fishing for men.
And the parallels between evangelism and Joe
fishing have been well-noted over the years:
10. Fishing (for fish or men) requires:
● energy and effort tactics and strategy
● patience and perseverance, etc.
But, there is one critical attribute that
fishers/evangelists/ministers must possess which
receives far too little attention: Optimism
11. Joe is definitely not an pessimistic person nor have
I have met an pessimistic fisherman.
People like Joe who love to fish and are always
eager to fish
They are always defined by an insatiable belief that
the very next moment, the very next cast could be
the one when they catch the big fish they have been
waiting for.
12. This characteristic of optimism should be carefully
distinguished from patience.
But patience does not get you out of bed at 5AM.
Patience does not provide energy and drive and
enthusiasm.
Patience endures whatever difficult situation a
person finds themselves in.
13. But, patience will not cause a person to put
themselves in difficult situations.
That takes something more. It takes hope. It takes
optimism.
14. When we think about the task of evangelism, or
even just the call of being a minister of the gospel,
it is clear that optimism is also a key attribute.
Why take the risk of sharing the gospel with our
neighbor or coworker or family member?
15. Why bother? Because “today could be the day.”
This person might just respond with saving faith
and be rescued from their sins.
We can only share the gospel eagerly and with
energy when we have hope and confidence that we
could “catch” one of these individuals for the glory
of God.
16. God is powerful enough to overcome the sinful and
stubborn hearts of men. It reminds us that God
actually does act to soften hearts and draw people
to himself (Acts 16:14)
17. Acts 16:13 NIV
“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to
the river, where we expected to find a place of
prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the
women who had gathered there.”
18. Acts 16:14 NIV
“One of those listening was a woman from the city
of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth.
She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her
heart to respond to Paul’s message.”
19. Acts 16:15 NIV
“When she and the members of her household were
baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you
consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come
and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.”
20. It reminds us that God has given Christ a people for
himself and that none of them will be lost (John
10:29
21. John 10:25-26 NIV
“Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not
believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify
about me, but you do not believe because you are
not my sheep.”
22. John 10:27-28 NIV
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they
follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall
never perish; no one will snatch them out of my
hand.”
23. John 10:29-30 NIV
“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater
than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s
hand. I and the Father are one.””
24. Indeed, if God didn’t intervene to proactively save
people, then evangelism would be a complete waste
of time. We would have no hope of success.
Romans 1:20
25. Romans 1:18-19 NIV
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven
against all the godlessness and wickedness of
people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
since what may be known about God is plain to
them, because God has made it plain to them.”
26. Romans 1:20 NIV
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible
qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—
have been clearly seen, being understood from what
has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
27. Jesus links these two concepts together himself.
Before giving the Great Commission in Matt 28:19
28. Matthew 28:18 NIV
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
29. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age.””
30. Jesus gives the grounds for the commission in
28:18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me.” Then he declares, “therefore go
and make disciples of all nations.”
31. The conjunction “therefore” tells us that Christ’s
sovereignty is not an obstacle for evangelism, but
the very think that makes it success possible.
It gives us hope that our fishing will not be in vain.
We will catch something.
32. In summary;
of all the attributes that make good
fishermen/evangelists, perhaps the most critical is
optimism. It is hope.
34. Romans 15:12-13 NIV
“And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will
spring up, one who will arise to rule over the
nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God
of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in
him, so that you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit.”
