The Anti Fisherman and the Good Fisherman

Today in America, we have seen God's values recede from our media, our government, our schools, and even the churches. Habakkuk saw the same thing happen to Judah and its people. The righteous were under attack from within and without.

Habakkuk Wrote
14You have made men like fish in the sea, like sea creatures that have no ruler.15The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad.16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food.17 Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy?
Habakkuk 1: 14-17 NIV

Who is Habakkuk Talking To?

Habakkuk is talking to God.  Habakkuk's people,Judah, are under attack by the Chaldeans, but they are also being attacked from within by members of their own people. The stronger, more powerful Judeans are taking advantage of the weaker Judeans to become wealthy and quite happy about doing so.

As I read and reread verses 14-17, I thought about the difference between Jesus's call to Simon and Andrew in Matthew 4:19,"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Reflecting on these two passages made me think about the difference between the "The Anti Fisherman" and the "Good Fisherman".

The Anti Fisherman is out with his hooks and catches the defenseless in his nets for his own use. He is happy when his plans succeed and has a celebration(rejoices). His achievements, wealth, and power are proof that he is doing well in life. Who cares about the little fish?

The Good Fisherman is fishing for men also, but He has no earthly wealth. He is storing up spiritual treasures that you cannot see while calling the little fish to Him and teaching them how to live a successful life that includes helping each other, taking care of widows, showing hospitality with no expectation of getting something in return, and loving one another.

Habakkuk saw the Anti Fisherman at work among his own people, but he listened to God and in Chapter 3 he accepted the truth of the Good Fisherman. "17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,18yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

In Conclusion
As Christian values continue to erode and be removed from American society, God's people have to focus on rejoicing in the LORD. Put Habakkuk's words into action in your life today, and say," I will be joyful in God my Savior." 


revised 1/1/2015