I got a call from two young voices Friday: “Opa, can you come fishing with us?” So Saturday morning 7-year-old Wilkes and almost 5-year-old Macy rode in Taylor’s boat through the cool spring air to the shallows where the fish are on bed. Taylor likes ‘top water fishing’ best, but ‘sight fishing’ is a close second as the fisherman actually sees the fish in the water.
Our son caught a couple before we came to a place where he spotted a big bass. Thirty minutes later, we were in the same location as Taylor patiently tossed a plastic worm into the water. “Daddy, let’s go home,” cried Macy. “This is boring,” added Wilkes. “How long is he going to do this?” I thought. Taylor kept saying, “Be quiet guys, I’m going to catch this fish.” Suddenly, he shouted, “Macy, get the net!” Thirty seconds later, his pole bent, the water splashed, and Macy netted a good-sized bass.
I asked, “How did you know it was time to get the net?” Taylor explained he saw the fish flinch, which meant it was getting aggravated with the troublesome worm and would soon strike. “Does it always take that much time?” I asked. “Sometimes it is quicker, but bigger bass usually take longer… sometimes it can take a couple of hours.” “Whew,” I thought, “the kids and I would have never lasted that long.”
Once, after the resurrection, Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come with you,” the other disciples said. They fished all night and didn’t catch a thing. Then Someone from the shore shouted, “Haven’t you caught anything?” “No!” they answered. “Cast your net on the other side of the boat!” When they did, the fishermen were unable to haul in the net because it was so full. “It’s the Lord!” said John, and Peter jumped in the water and swam to shore.
The disciples counted 153 fish, but interestingly, the net did net did not tear. They brought some of the fish to the fire where Jesus was cooking breakfast. This story from John 21 closes with: “This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.” (John 21:14)
‘Time’ is used in our language in different ways. It is an important word, and though God is not bound by it, He comprehends every facet. He knows the times and seasons of our lives and our time is in His hands.
Jesus understands our struggles with ‘time’ because He lived on earth. He taught both patience and urgency while urging listeners not to miss what is most important. “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) “I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear My voice — the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.” (John 5:25)
Jesus also once said, “I am with you for only a short time…” and we would be wise to use our time on earth as He did. Let’s pray for wisdom and grace. Let’s redeem the time rather than waste it. Treasure the time with loved ones and do not take your blessings for granted. Do not grow weary in taking the time to serve and love others. Praise God He has given us time!
“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” Romans 5:6
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
“So, then, be careful how you live. Do not be unwise but wise, making the best use of your time because the times are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16