Wednesday 24 Sep 2014

September 25: Matthew 13:47-50

Key Verse: Matthew 13:48
When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

Devotion:
Have you ever thought about what happens to all those fish caught up in the net when fishermen go out fishing with a big net? Modern times dictate modern practices and less fish are wasted, but there is always small and unwanted fish caught up in the net. Jesus was using this as an illustration because these men knew about fishing and knew what happened; they would think nothing of the practice that Jesus was describing because that was normal. They throw a big net out which catches everything in its path including unwanted fish and even floating debris.

How does that relate to us as people? We are like those fish in the sea. We have free choice in that we can virtually do what we want just like a fish has the whole ocean to swim where it wants. It is not good for it to swim into deep waters where it will be eaten or swim so deep it can’t breathe, it has to make choices to stay alive. But along comes something like a big net which it knows nothing about and it no longer has a choice but has to put up with what happens! If fish knew they would avoid the boats because there could be nets in them. If fish could speak they would learn from each other.

So what happens when we get caught up in the net? Well, if we are the right size and right type of fish, then we may well be taken in and used as food just like God had designed. But if we are the wrong type or size we will get discarded. Now modern tactics should mean that we get thrown back into the water for a second chance, but if we have already drowned because we could not escape it is far too late! If we are even more unlucky and end up on dry land we are going to face an end that is not natural at all. Luckily fish don’t have feelings – or so they say.

We have choices to make. We are taught about the choices we can make. We are taught about the consequences of those choices. If we don’t act on what we learn and make good choices, then we are more the fools and will end up having to put up with what comes our way whether we like it or not! Look to God. Look to righteousness. Learn and draw closer to the goal God has designed you for…

Points to Ponder:
Do you just keep swimming and see what happens?

Or are you making God inspired choices?