John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. KJV
Personal Observation
As a child I had the opportunity to spend time with my paternal grandparents during the winter school vacation in northern Ohio. One of my favorite activities was to go ice fishing with my grandfather. He made a portable ice fishing hutch that fit in the back of car. We would arrive at the shore of the lake and unload all the fishing gear. There was a plywood floor board that had ice runners attached to the bottom allowing us to pull all the gear and folded fishing hut out on the ice like a large sled.
He would carefully check the thickness of the ice by breaking a small hole through the surface. Then we assembled the fishing hut with curved metal poles which supported a handmade tent that fit perfectly over the framework. Inside we had two folding stools with a lantern that provided heat and light. In the bottom of the platform were four fishing holes. We lined up the openings with the four opening we made in the ice with a long heavy steel “spud bar”. Then we settled down to the task of ice fishing. The bait was small white grub worms placed on the end of very short poles used only for ice fishing. We baited the hooks and lowered the bait down into the dark chilly lake waters.
At that time a process took place which I never understood. We were sitting less than 1 meter apart using exactly the same fishing equipment and bait, but my grandfather pulled in fish after fish as my hook and bait went untouched for long periods of time just centimeters away from my grandfather’s. Why? What was I doing wrong? I asked and he tried to assure me that I would eventually catch a fish. I tried to copy the slight movement his wrist which must have made his bait look more delicious than mine. I never found out why he could successfully catch fish right beside me while my net came up empty and dry almost every time!
Biblical Account
This account recorded in the last chapter of the Book of John indicates that the disciples with Peter had fished all night long and caught no fish whatsoever! Jesus walked up on the shore and called out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Their reply was negative. We are told that they did not know it was Jesus speaking to them. Remember this was after the Resurrection. They had seen him in their midst earlier in the Gospel of John proving to them that He indeed was risen from the dead and alive, but they did not recognize Him this day.
The stranger on the shore instructed the men to pull up their nets that were on the left side of the boat and to cast the nets on the other side of the ship. This would not make much sense to seasoned fishermen since once again the difference between the left and right sides of the boat was merely equal to the width of the small fishing vessel. For some reason, they decided to obey the instructions of the stranger. As they obeyed the simple, but seemingly senseless command there was an immediate result as the nets filled to overflowing with 153 “great” fish! When they arrived on shore there was still some doubt about whether or not this man was the risen Jesus. Amazingly, when they arrived on shore there was already fire, bread and fish already cooking over the fire.
The Bible says this was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but why did Jesus tell them to cast their net on the other side of the boat? Was it just a simple test of obedience? Is there something in that story that we can apply to our lives, ministry or business today?
Conclusion
Anyone serving God sincerely for any number of years or those who are working in ministry know well about periods of time when there seems to be no fruit to show for their labors. We work and use tried and true methods and principles passed down and tested by many others. Why are the nets empty? It worked before! What are we doing wrong? Is there some secret sin in our lives that has stopped God’s Blessings upon our efforts? Is there some act of obedience that we have not followed? Is there un-forgiveness lurking under the surface?
How tired and hungry we are as the disciples must have been that morning by the sea shore. If Jesus would just come to meet with us and tell us what to do! At times like these there is no fear or worry about correction or even rebuke. We care about the harvest! We are called to be “fishers of men” and our nets are empty. Jesus please tell us what we need to do differently than what we have been. Is there something new we need to try? Is there something old that is being overlooked that is still appropriate for where we are in your harvest field today? Just tell us please. Any yes, Lord we are tired and hungry for your food that gives us strength and comfort. We all need some spiritual “comfort food” from time to time!
By the way, we really do love you Lord. Yes, I know that we have denied you many time and have not obeyed all you told us to do before. Please forgive us! Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Go ahead and do whatever He says. You may have tried it before. It may not seem to make sense, but Jesus knows that He is doing. Just pull up your nets from where you are now and cast them over on the other side. And by the way, get ready! You will be pleasantly surprised!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
