The great blue heron can hunt day and night thanks to a high percentage of rod-type photoreceptors in its eyes, which greatly improve its night vision. Herons also possess excellent depth perception, helping them spot fish deep underwater. Their long legs enable them to wade smoothly through the water, but their greatest asset is patience. They can move incredibly slowly or stand perfectly still until a fish comes close enough to catch. At just the right moment, they use their dagger-like beaks to strike. Great blue herons often congregate at fish hatcheries, which can create problems for fish farmers. However, one study found that the herons mostly ate diseased fish that would have died anyway, simply because the sick fish spent more time near the water’s surface. When a heron finds a good hunting spot, it takes full advantage of it. When not actively hunting, it dedicates time to self-maintenance, using its beak and long neck to preen its feathers, keeping them healthy for flight.
Just as herons catch fish to live, Jesus calls us to a higher type of fishing. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 KJV). We are called to fish for men and win souls, and we should be like the heron in many aspects. We must look day and night, not just in the light, but through the dark times of life, for souls to win. We need sharp spiritual focus to see someone deep in sin, even when they appear uninterested. We must be willing to wade through the difficult waters of life to reach the lost. Like the heron, we must be patient, often winning someone to the Lord slowly, yet remaining ready to move the instant their heart opens.
We need to go where the souls are. The world wants to keep people trapped in sin, but we must reach those who are hurting and diseased with the pains of this life. When we find a place where we can reach many souls, we must take full advantage of the opportunity. Finally, we must maintain our own spiritual health, continuously asking God to guide us and remove any hindrance to our faith. We must remain ever vigilant, constantly and consistently reaching out to the lost souls around us.
Proverbs 11:30 KJV: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Jude 1:22-23 KJV: And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
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