“I'm
going fishing . . . . . . . . . .”
This Christmas I asked a friend, an old philosopher and theologian
we’ll call Ole’ Hook Bill, for guidance. These are his words:
“For
Christians this time of year evokes reflections of that first Christmas. Of course we are privileged to have a detailed account
of the birth of Christ in the Bible. Something else caught my eye as I reread probably the most quoted chapter in the Bible,
the 23rd Psalm. You will remember the words:
"The
Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
I have just realized that my old
friend’s pseudonym, Stillwater Slim, has its origins in the Old Testament. Small world!
Back to Christmas! Flowing
from that first Christmas we find ourselves fascinated and inspired by the countless numbers who have followed the teachings
of Christ. The first followers were His disciples, including Simon Peter. Shortly after the resurrection a memorable encounter
took place between Peter and Christ. Peter said to Christ and some of the other disciples: "I'm going fishing."
And the reply from Jesus and the other disciples: "All right, we'll go with you." I point this out so that the
next time you declare: "I'm going fishing", you will be following in the footsteps of some pretty notable figures.
Arguably the best book ever written on fishing, The Complete Angler, was penned by
Isaac Walton over 300 years ago. What many don't know is that this prolific writer was a devout Christian. Listen to the
preamble to his Will:
"And first,
I do declare my belief to be, that there is only one God, who hath made the whole world, and me and all mankind; to whom I
shall give an account of all my actions, which are not to be justified, but I hope pardoned, for the merits of my Saviour Jesus ......"
Here’s a sample of Isaac Walton's poetry:
" I care not, I, to fish in seas,
Fresh rivers, best my mind do please,
Whose sweet calm course I contemplate,
And seek in life to imitate:
In civil bounds I fain would keep,
And for my past offences weep.
The first men that our Saviour dear
Did choose to wait upon Him here
Bless'd
fishers were, and fish the last
Food
was that He on earth did taste:
I
therefore strive to follow those
Whom He to follow Him has chose.”
Like Walton, “I care not, I, to fish in seas,
fresh rivers, best my mind do please.””
Merry Christmas!
Ole’ Hook Bill & Stillwater Slim