Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. --Luke 5:5
I'm a fisherman. I know how to catch the smallmouth, walleye and panfish that
inhabit the lake by our small cabin. I know where the fish lurk, their feeding
habits, and the best times to fish. I have my own proven lures and successful
strategies. So I'm reluctant to take the advice of someone who
rows over and tells me how to catch the fish in "my" lake.
So I can sympathize with Peter in today's Bible reading from Luke 5. He knew how to catch fish in the Sea of Galilee. It was "his" lake, but he had been out all night and hadn't caught a thing. "Sometimes the fish just don't cooperate," I can hear him say.
Then Jesus told him, "Let down your nets for a catch" (v.4). Peter said, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net" (v.5). He caught so many fish; he needed help to bring them to shore! Jesus then told Peter, "From now on you will catch men" (v.10). Jesus was more concerned that Peter learn to fish for souls and that the catch was completely dependent upon Jesus, not Peter's ability to fish.
When it comes to fishing for souls, the issue is not how good we are at persuading people. It's whether we are obeying the Master whenever His Spirit directs us to share the gospel story. Today, "let down your nets for a catch."
If you want to fish for souls,
Seek to follow Christ's commands,
Lay aside unworthy goals,
Let Him lead you by His hand.
The next person you meet may need to meet Jesus.