Something Smells Fishy

My grandpa had a boat. He enjoyed fishing.

I remember playing with all the cool little things in his tackle box. I also have fond memories of playing in his boat that was parked in his driveway.

My grandpa’s tackle box had a unique smell; so did his boat… kind of a fishy smell.

I’ve been fishing a few times in my life and caught some fish (yes, they were small).

Here’s what I know: regardless if the fish are “keepers” or too small, you’re going to get “all fishy” because you have to get the fish off the hook. Your hands are going to smell fishy.

Jesus invited guys to follow him saying: “Come with me. I’ll make you a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” (Matthew 4.19 MSG).

On another occasion, Jesus clarified what kind of people they were planning to catch: “I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.” (Mark 2.17 MSG).

Fishermen smell like fish.

I’ve never been hunting, but I’ve heard stories of hunters covering themselves in animal urine in order to mask their human scent. Wow!

Jesus said we’re inviting the sin-sick.

The church is to be a hospital for sinners, not a country club for saints.

We should smell like fish. I’m not talking about sinning. We’re not becoming the sin-sick… we’re reaching the sin-sick!

Fishermen don’t become fish, but they sure do smell like ‘em!

If we’re going to reach people (like Jesus commanded), things will be messy and smelly – and that’s the way it should be.