Fishing

This morning in our devotions, I was reading a selection from Bryan Green which stated that, “The gospel always produces a division amongst the people; there is therefore, ever present both in individual contact and in public assembly, a note of discord.” I notice this almost every time I teach and preach. People are offended by the gospel; so much so that it will even divide churches. Jesus himself said, “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Matthew 10:35 ESV) Even Jesus was not welcomed in his hometown, and his siblings thought he was a bit off. If Jesus was affllicted with this “social disease,” why should I think I would be immune?

I cannot honestly expound the text without it offending someone. I see it on their faces. It cuts whom it will with no help from me, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

The evangelist, though aware of the phenomenon, must pay it no mind. If he is to catch a fish, he must know the hook hurts. Green continues,

“Big Tim” Helfrich holding a few crappies he caught,
probably in Indian Lake (Lakeview, Ohio)

Preaching the gospel is not a pastime of peaceful fishing, but rather a battle to land the fish.” This is the basic nature of the vocation.