Fish For Men
My Dad and I were talking last night about our best fishing trip ever. In truth, it would be just about anyone's best fishing trip ever. It was the middle of June on a river in Alaska's interior, and the King salmon were running. Along with two of my friends, we launched 2 rafts about 11 PM and floated and fished from shore until the following morning at 6 AM. It was not uncommon for all 4 of us to be battling a fish at the same time. Though it was primarily 'catch and release,' my dad and I each kept one King.
I love to fish, but Alaska is different than other places. You see, if the salmon aren't running, there are no fish to catch. Many times I've driven for hours only to discover that I had missed the run. A big part of the joy and motivation for fishing is the 'catching.' This is also true in our spiritual lives. The first disciples Jesus called to follow him were fishermen.
Jesus said to them, "Come! Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." As with being on the water, the joy of witnessing is not simply the 'fishing,' it's seeing a heart captured and a life forever changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fish for men, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
My dad, John Rud, with a 45 pound King salmon.
Written on March 2, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions