Luke 5:1-11 "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him."
A good fisherman uses different methods to catch fish. He uses various baits to attract the fish. He uses different kinds of fishing equipment which may include fishing rods, nets, spears, or baskets. Different kinds of fish are attracted by different methods. This is why a good fisherman uses various methods.
A fisherman can learn some of these methods in books written about fishing. He learns other methods by experience and observation. The methods he uses change, but the goal is always the same-to catch fish.
If you are to be an effective spiritual fisherman, you must use different methods. Different people are attracted to the Gospel by various methods. Some are "reeled in" by teaching and preaching or comfort in time of need. Others are "caught" by different methods.
The methods of spiritual fishing are varied, but the goal is always the same-to catch the souls of men and women. You do not compromise the true Word of God, but you preach truth with love and compassion. You live what you preach and preach what you live. That kind of bait will attract many a "fish" who is searching to fill the hunger inside of them.
Whether you are using a fishing rod, net, or spear in the natural world, you must cast it into the waters and draw it out again. Jesus had to tell them to cast their ships out a little from the shore. A vessel for sea was not built to travel on dry ground. It was built to be able to cross deep water. Unless you hoist your sail, the multitudes will never hear the message of hop you have in your heart.
In the natural world, how you cast into the water is very important. Your casting must be on target. You must also use care in order to land your fish after catching it. Jesus told them to let their nets down for a draught or a catching. Even though they had already tried to fill their nets, this time with Jesus on board their catch was successful.
In the spiritual world, we are promised if we "cast out" the Word of God, it will not return void. It will accomplish its purpose in the hearts and lives of men and women in Isaiah 55:11. When you use the Word of God, you will be on target every time. Eventually, it will "catch" men and women.
No comments:
Post a Comment