Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Jesus, I am good at this. What do You know about fishing?

Thursday 1-5-17, Boring, Oregon
Today we read Gen 12 – 15, Luke 5 
S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Luke 5:3-6 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again." NLT

O. Obviously, these commercial fishermen worked very hard for their living.  Simon had worked all night without snagging a single fish in his nets. He had to be thinking, “What does this preacher know about fishing? I have been doing this all my life and know when you just can’t catch a single one.” Simon says, “Okay, Jesus, I’ll do it.”  But he doesn’t say what he was thinking. “Jesus, it You knew what I know… all the fish are on the other side of the lake today.”

A. We preachers are supposed to be listening to Jesus when it comes to casting out the net. We preach a great sermon. Hearts are touched. We look out at the congregation. We think we know almost everyone inside the building. There are only a few visitors. And even they all seem to look very well-dressed, religious, saved and sanctified. Maybe we should save the altar-call for next time. But then Jesus whispers in our ear, “Throw out the net for a special catch.” In my heart I may be thinking, “But Lord, it is embarrassing to make a call when no one responds.”

P. Oh, Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your still, small whisper. You know every heart. Your heart yearns for every man and woman, boy and girl. Your Word says that You  are “not willing that any should perish.” That one little, insignificant “fish” may one day become a great “fisherman of souls.”  Amen.
Ralph


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