Daily Encouragementنموونە

There is some practical advice and encouragement for gospel fishermen in this incident.

Hand over your boat to Jesus - “He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon” (verse 3). It is only as people see Jesus in us and hear his word through us that they will come to him.

Go where he leads you - “Put out into the deep water” (verse 4). Time and place and circumstances may not seem ideal to us, but we shall be wise to follow him, even when he takes us out of our depth.

Do not try to go it alone - “So they signalled their partners’ (verse 7). The sea is too big, the task too great, the fish too many! The greatest fishermen have felt the need of partners. Paul abandoned the opportunity in Troas because Titus was not there (2 Cor. 2:12-13).

Fear him and you will have nothing else to fear - “Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid.’” For servants of God this is the most encouraging “Fear not” of all. We are tempted to be afraid because we know we are unworthy, unfit and inadequate for so great a task. Fear not - in order to catch men we don’t have to be worthy - we have to be forgiven.