The Story of The Fish

If you clicked here, it means you are curious about the fish on our resources pages. Welcome to my Story of the Fish page. Well, here is the story:

Back in the late days of the Roman Empire, certain groups were forced into hiding by the oppressive hand of Roman authorities. Many sought refuge in caves, and catacombs. The groups used symbols to identify themselves, and separate themselves from other groups using the same caves, or catacombs. One group used a fish, as its symbol. The fish, was a simple, but crude shape. It started with one arch. A second arch would begin at the tip of the first arch, but at a reverse angle, and intersect the first arch. The result was something that looked like this.

Let me tell you about this group.

This group got its name in a town called Ephesus. The name was at first, hurled as an insult, but later became a mark of distinction. The name meant "Little Christs". The name "Christian" is still used today to identify followers of Jesus Christ. It was these Christians that used the fish as their symbol in underground Rome.

It is amazing how many people don't know the story of Jesus Christ. Take a few moments to read who he was and what he did.

Before we introduce Jesus, we must first understand the world leading up to the time of Christ. Jesus was born in an area of the mid-east that was claimed by Israel. Israel believed they had a claim to the land. They claimed the land was given to them by Jehovah, their God. Why would God give land to one certain type of people? Let me explain.

Jehovah God is the supreme creator. As we find out more about atomic structure, DNA, and other deep parts of science, it becomes obvious that life could not have originated through evolution. Each phase of life indicated a master plan. Some divine guidance that structures our world and universe. This divine guidance comes from Jehovah God. There is only one God. Only one God could develop such an intricate master plan.

When God created mankind, He had a relationship with mankind that no other living thing on earth shared with God. He would walk, and talk to His creation. His love for mankind was unparalleled. But this relationship would be changed forever.

God's creation rebelled against the Creator. Mankind, at the urging of a rebellious angel, willfully, and with full intention, disobeyed God. Because God is perfect, man could no longer stand in the presence of God. As a result, the relationship was broken. Worse yet, the punishment for disobedience was death. Man's actions not only separated himself from God, but also condemned himself to die. God desired to restore the relationship, but disobedient mankind would not listen. There were a few, but most wanted to continue to live a life apart from God.

One man in whom God found favor, was named Abraham. God told Abraham, that Abraham and his descendants would be God's chosen people. A people set apart for God's purpose. A nation chosen to spread the news about God to all nations. In order to accomplish God's purposes, Abraham's descendants needed to be somewhere where they could influence the world. The mid-east was a location where travelers would pass through on their way from Egypt to Asia. It was an ideal location for the message of God to be proclaimed!

One of Abraham's descendants was named Israel, hence the name Israelites. The Israelites settled in the land, but they too were often disobedient. When they disobeyed, they fell on hard times. When they turned back to God, conditions improved. The Israelites found themselves constantly asking God for forgiveness. God talked to the Israelites through various means. He talked directly to some. Usually, these were leaders or prophets. Sometimes, however, He used common folks. God's words were written down in a book called the "Bible". The Bible is just more than what mankind has written about what God said. The Bible is the authoritative word of God. It is a prophetic proclamation that gives us instructions concerning our estranged relationship with God. Although God's message was being proclaimed, the relationship was still not restored with His creation.

God did have a plan to restore the relationship. And it did involve Israel. He promised a Messiah. In fact, there are over 300 distinct prophetic messages throughout the Bible. The Messiah would restore mankind to God.

The only way God could restore the relationship, was for someone who was perfect to pay the price for mankind's disobedience. The only way to provide that perfect sacrifice, was for God, Himself, to come to Earth as a man. He did so through the man, Jesus. Jesus was God's plan to restore God's people to Himself. Jesus was fully man, and fully God. He had all the power, wisdom, and strength of God, yet he had all the frailties of man. More importantly, he had only one mission. Jesus would have to die to pay the debt of mankind's disobedience.

During his life on Earth, Jesus performed great feats. He proved himself to be God over and over again. Many believed, many did not. Eventually, those who did not believe charged Jesus with the crime of treason. Jesus, the guiltless, was sentenced to die. He was hung on a cross and crucified.

Many, today, blame the Israelites for Jesus' death. But that is not so. Jesus' plan was to die for our restoration. He had to accept the blame for mankind's turning away and suffer the consequences. He gave the law to the Israelites, and it was by that law he had to be condemned.

The story does not end with the death of Jesus, but it could have. Jesus died on the cross for all mankind. Through his death, we can be restored to God. But if Jesus was God, how can you be restored to a God who is dead? Here is the marvelous part of the story. Jesus died, but was resurrected from death. His body was raised from the dead. He ascended to heaven, where he rules today.

But the story is still not finished. Jesus has promised to return again. This time he will establish a kingdom on the earth. He will gather up all who believe on him and reign for time everlasting. Those who do (or did) not believe will also be gathered up. They will be judged and punished for eternity.

God wishes that no one be separated from Him. He wishes all to be restored. But it is our decision. We control our own destiny. But there is only one way to restore your relationship with God. You must believe in Jesus Christ.

This is just a quick overview of what God, and Jesus are about. For more information, find a Bible and read it. Begin with the book of John, or Luke. If you wish more information, let me know (email Dave at CWSM.org) and I will have someone contact you who knows a great deal more about the subject than I.

Please think about what you have just read. Don't treat your destiny lightly. May God bless you and lead you down the path of righteousness, prosperity and humility.

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