Casting the Fishing Net on the Right Side of the Boat

“He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” John 21:6 N.I.V

While waiting out the 40 days for the Holy Spirit to come to them so that they could start out on the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, the Apostles Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James and John, and two unnamed disciples decided to go fishing.(John 21:1-14). However they did not catch a single fish the whole night. But they obeyed the directions of a man who called them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat and they caught one hundred and fifty three big fish. It is only then they recognized him as the Lord Jesus. A similar miracle had happened to Peter when he was first called to follow Christ (Luke 5: 1-11).

Are you casting the net on the wrong side of the boat: using your own power and wisdom? The work of the Lord requires not just our faith in the risen Lord. Everything needs to be undertaken at his command and under his authority. Our methods, our directions, and our abilities can lead to a lot of hard toil with no success. Only Christ can heal us and others we want to reach out to physically and spiritually, and we have to work with him in full obedience, asking for his directions at every turn. This story teaches us that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John: 15:5). It teaches that in Jesus there is abundance and sustenance for those engaged in his service. It also teaches us that when we do not know what to do we should take the initiative to do our duty, and we will be in place for Christ to meet and help us.

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"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." ~Mother Teresa~
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