Fisher of Men.

 Fishers of Men

You called it from the shoreline, to men who worked the nets,

A purpose strange and wondrous,beyond their sea-worn frets:

“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

A new kind of catch,a new way to mend.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

We lay down our old nets now—the chase for lesser gain,

The empty,worldly trophies, the self-serving campaign.

We take up the net of gospel,of mercy vast and deep,

To cast upon the waters where the hungry-hearted weep.

We fish not with clever argument or with a judgment’s snare,

But with the simple telling of how You heard our prayer.

With the bait of loving kindness,in the currents of Your grace,

We seek the lost and lonely,to see them find their place

In the boat of Your redemption,in the crew that bears Your name,

Their identity forever,gloriously changed.

But we remember, Jesus, You’re the Master of the sea.

The haul is always Yours,Lord; it was never up to me.

You command the shoals of souls,You calm the raging deep.

You tell us where to cast the nets,and You the harvest keep.

So make us faithful fishers, with worn hands and patient heart,

To play our humble part within Your glorious,saving art.

Until that day the boat is full,and drawn to heaven’s shore,

And we lay down our nets to worship,and fish for men no more.

Call us. Use us. Make us fishers of men.

For the glory of Your name.

Amen.