“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)

Peter and his fellow workers had put in a hard day’s work without any results. They hadn’t caught the fish they hoped to catch. Jesus told them to put out their nets again in another place. In their obedience, they found more fish than they could deal with. It was clear that Jesus had power over nature and the fish swimming in that sea.

It was clear that Jesus was more than any ordinary man. It would become clear that following Him would be the greatest adventure in catching people into the Kingdom of God.

We, in the church, are not out to catch fish in a sea, but people in a world. We do the same tiring work, day and night, to catch people into the kingdom of God. We put a lot of effort into it and expect results but may find little.

Why? Because the Lord is not in it. We need to have direction from the Lord as to where and how to do our fishing – where and how to let down our nets of the Law and Gospel. The only true catch of persons out of this world can happen when Jesus directs us where to let down our nets. He is the one Who brings the increase and this happens when we fish in the right place.

Heavenly Father, are we listening to your Son’s directives? Help us to have more sensitive ears to where and how to go fishing for Him. There are many souls to be reached and our timidity can get in the way. Strengthen and guide us to those who need to know your Son. In His name. Amen.