Oh man. I just had a huuuuuge epiphany.....well, to me anyway. I was watching a programme about catching fish (haha I'm so sad), and you know how the fish has sort-of been one of the symbols of Christianity, especially when you're talking about "fishers of men"? I now understand that God used the perfect analogy for this.
Still don't get it? ^_^ Ok ok I want to explain....so GOOD. Haha. Okay. First off, fish dislike the light. I mean, come on. Imagine if you had no eyelids too. And live underwater. With all this refracting sunlight. Talk about self-perpetuated pain if you go near the surface. And guess what the Bible says? Yup! Those who don't know Jesus are still living in the dark. Maybe they dislike the light. I dunno. Or just can't find it. That's why, like the fishermen, spreading the gospel is like yanking people into the light. And sometimes it may be painful for both the 'fish' and the fisher (if you have never caught a fish before, and I mean a BIG fish, not the pathetic ones you get in Hong Kong, you might not understand the pain of the fisher struggling with the fish. Fish are surprisingly strong).
Secondly, fish do not bite the bait unless the fisherman (that's soooo politically incorrect - fisherhumanbeing) provokes or lures the fish in, usually by jerking the line. This arouses either curiosity or irritation from the fish, so they eventually go for it (hmmm....reminds me of some people when they're provoked or enticed...). Sometimes, anyway. It depends whether they choose to go for it or not. This can be directly compared to how good a fisher's 'lure' is - i.e. attitude and way of sharing the gospel or showing Jesus in their lives. And if it's interesting enough, it arouses curiosity. Another way is to 'provoke' someone by inviting them to church or youth group. Like, non-stop. HAHAHAHA! Talk about excessive nagging. And then the person gets irritated, and may get 'hooked'. MUAHAHAHA!!
Thirdly, when the fish bites, the fisherhumanbeing yanks the fishing rod upwards to bury the hook into the fish's mouth. And the fish...FIGHTS BACK!! MUAHAHAHA! Once the gospel has touched someone, he or she has to battle against maybe fears, peer pressure, doubt, worry that parents may disapprove or whatever. And thus the huge struggle ensues. Of course, the fisherhumanbeing tries his or her best to keep the fish on the hook. This can be interpreted as the Christian's prayer, encouragement, helping the 'fish' through the problems or doubts etc. If this is gone, then the fish swims away. =(
Lastly, when the fish is caught, the fish...er....the fisherman....well, FINE. This last part bears no resemblance to the goodness and blessings that come with God's grace and love, so I'll leave that out - since God's love leads to life, not death. Hm....but I think that apart from this, Jesus chose quite a good image to represent leading others to Christ, which I think is awesome. So yea. Hope that encourages those out there to start fishing (and I don't mean literally)!!!!
God bless people, and Happy Chinese New Year!!
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