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Sermon: The Fisherman’s Wisdom—Patience, Faith, and the Calling of Ordinary Lives

Introduction: The song “Men Who Fish Can Live Forever” beautifully weaves together themes of patience, faith, and the significance of humble, hard work. It tells the story of a farmer who learns invaluable lessons from a fisherman—lessons about love, faith, and the timeless value of patience. The imagery of fishing, farming, and building a great fence resonates with the deep, enduring truths found in Scripture and highlights the profound wisdom that can be found in the lives of ordinary people. By exploring these themes through Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and Scripture, we can gain insight into the ways God uses simple, everyday experiences to teach us about His love and our purpose.

The Value of Patience: A Lesson from the Fisherman The song begins by reflecting on the patience of the “first followers” and contrasts this with the narrator’s own experience. The fisherman, an older man, becomes a mentor, teaching the narrator about patience and love. In James 5:7-8, we are reminded, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” This passage highlights the importance of patience in our spiritual journey, comparing it to the patience of a farmer waiting for the harvest.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values individual freedom and the pursuit of personal growth, but it also recognizes the importance of virtues like patience, which are cultivated over time and through experience. The song’s emphasis on patience as “the key” reflects the understanding that true growth—whether spiritual, emotional, or practical—requires time and perseverance. The fisherman’s wisdom reminds us that patience is not just a passive waiting but an active engagement in life’s processes, trusting that the fruits of our labor will come in due time.

Faith and Hard Work: The Strength of the Humble The song poses the question, “Why would you choose a fisherman to do the work of the almighty?” This question echoes the biblical narrative of Jesus calling ordinary fishermen to be His disciples, demonstrating that God often chooses humble, hard-working people to carry out His divine plans. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” This verse highlights the way Jesus saw potential in the ordinary lives of fishermen, transforming their work into a spiritual calling.

From a modern human perspective, the idea that hard work and humility are valuable traits aligns with the recognition that meaningful contributions to society often come from those who are willing to “get dirty” and engage in the challenges of life. Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to work and to find purpose in that work, whether it is farming, fishing, or any other trade. The song’s portrayal of the fisherman as a figure of wisdom and strength reminds us that true greatness is not measured by status or wealth but by the character and faithfulness of one’s heart.

The Gift of Love: A Present Made by Hand The fisherman gives the narrator a gift—something he made with his hands. This simple act of giving reflects the deeper spiritual truth that love is a gift meant to be shared. In 1 John 4:19, we read, “We love because he first loved us.” This verse reminds us that all love originates from God, and it is through our relationships and actions that we reflect His love to others.

Christian Libertarian Ideology emphasizes the importance of personal relationships and the freedom to express love in meaningful ways. The gift made by the fisherman symbolizes the tangible expression of love and care, something that transcends material value and carries spiritual significance. The song’s message that “love’s a gift for you and me” reinforces the idea that love, when freely given and received, is one of the most powerful and enduring forces in our lives.

The Eternal Impact of Faith: Living Forever Through God’s Grace The fisherman’s statement that “men who fish can live forever” speaks to the eternal nature of faith and the lasting impact of a life lived in accordance with God’s will. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” This passage assures us that through faith in Christ, we have the promise of eternal life.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values the freedom to pursue a life of faith, recognizing that this pursuit has both temporal and eternal significance. The fisherman’s wisdom in the song reminds us that the simple, faithful actions of our lives—whether in fishing, farming, or building fences—are part of a larger spiritual journey that leads to eternal life. It encourages us to see our daily work and relationships as opportunities to live out our faith and to trust in God’s promise of everlasting life.

Conclusion: “Men Who Fish Can Live Forever” is a powerful reflection on the value of patience, the strength of humble faith, and the eternal impact of a life lived in love and service. It challenges us to see the wisdom in ordinary lives and to recognize that God often works through the simplest actions to teach us profound spiritual truths.

As we reflect on these themes, let us be encouraged to cultivate patience in our own lives, to embrace the hard work and humility that come with following God’s call, and to share the gift of love with those around us. Let us also be reminded of the eternal significance of our faith and the promise of everlasting life through Christ.

May we all find inspiration in the wisdom of the fisherman and the enduring truths of Scripture, and may we live each day with the knowledge that through faith, love, and patience, we are participating in God’s eternal plan. And may we always remember that the work of our hands, when done in love and faith, has the power to impact eternity.

First followers new patience 

More than I will ever have to know

I was born a farmer and can build a great fence 

My parents had a garden where bad seeds would grow 

When I met a fisherman, who was an older man

He gave me guidance, he taught me how to love 

He gave me a present, something he made with his hands 

Like ZZ ups and lightning, then he grinned

And said, oh he said, men who fish can live forever

Patience, it is the key 

Strong faith is the strongest pleasure

It loves a gift for you and me 

Loves a gift for you and me

Why would you choose a fisherman 

To do the work of the almighty

Is it because he knows a hard day’s work? 

Is it because that man is willing to get dirty

Then he says, men who fish can live forever 

Patience, it is the key

Strong faith is the strongest pleasure 

Loves a gift for you and me

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson