Farewell To Boats

When story starts, long years before,
We find the man whom Christ adored
With brother and two other guys,
All fishing as the sun would rise.

They longed (perhaps) to treasures take
From their tradition, journeys make
To other lands, but “There’s no way;
We with these boats and nets must stay.”

Christ came along and heard their dreams;
“That I can do for you – it seems
Impossible to leave your nets
And boats – but you’ve seen nothing yet!

“So come along and follow me;
Leave nets and boats here by the sea;
I’ll make you fishers – catching men
From nations – for it’s you I’ll send.”

They left, well, sort of – on and off
They fished, and boated – once they scoffed
At Jesus when He’d fed the crowd,
And sent them off with protests loud.

Man, they were ticked – He later walked
On water by them as they talked;
Then Peter called, “Hey Jesus, friend,
If that is You, call me again –

To leave my boat – on water walk
Like You – just call and I’ll not balk
At your request – Christ did – he came –
Then freaked – placed back in boat again.

Months passed; when Peter had denied
He knew his Lord, then went and cried;
Christ came and asked, “You love me more
Than boats and nets?” “Of course, my Lord.”

“Then feed my lambs; and tend my sheep;
Preserve them to the end; and keep
Away from boats and nets – I’ll feed
You and your kin – meet every need –

“Just like today, ‘Hey, toss your net
On other side, and you will get
More fish than you will ever eat’–
You left your boats and nets to meet –

“Your risen Lord, tossed all aside,
And came to Me – now you decide –
For boats and nets? For fish to eat?
Or this new life placed at your feet.

“I said I could do that for you,
So wave goodbye to boats and crew”;
Said Peter, “Nets have hold no more;
It’s this I was created for.”

That’s last we ever hear of nets
And boats, for Pete at last had left
The things which brought him to that point –
He followed Christ, and blew that joint.

So, where are you on journey that –
Boat one? (we never could do that);
Boat two? (half-faith to water-walk);
Boat three? (it’s time – enough of talk).

If three, then jump into the brine;
Swim to your Lord – decision time;
To boats and nets now wave goodbye;
Turn from your past – lift up your eyes –

And see your Lord and Savior – Christ;
Let go, to make some room for life –
His way for us – descent of loop
In name of Christ; part of His group.

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