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Need some encouragement when it comes to sharing your faith?

This is a boat I found at sunset on the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. As I stood on the shore of the river watching the fishermen tie up their boats at the end of the day, I was reminded of a story in the Bible about Jesus standing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, watching some local fishermen and giving them advice.

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat,” Jesus told them, “and you will find a catch.” These experienced fishermen, who had been busy fishing all night without any luck, were understandably a little skeptical, but they did as he advised. When they cast their nets on the other side of the boat, we read that they immediately caught 153 large fish—so many that their nets nearly broke! Now, my question for you is: have you ever wondered why we’re specifically told the fishermen caught exactly 153 fish?

Well, the first century Jews believed there were 153 pagan nations on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, so when they read that story and heard Jesus tell his followers to throw their nets on the other side of their boat, they understood that he was telling them to spread his gospel to new people who hadn’t heard his message yet. 

And I believe he is telling us to do that same thing today!

Have you shared your faith with the same family members or friends over and over? Perhaps Jesus is telling you it's time to try the other side of your boat at work or school or at home.

For reflection:

He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.” They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in. — John 21:6

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