Fishing Lessons

I have never been much of an outdoors person. Having never gone fishing in my life, I was still assigned to be the fishing instructor at a children's camp one summer. I had to depend on a book on fish with pictures to be able to identify the fish that the kids caught. Later as a young adult I only remember one occasion when I went fishing. My brother-in-law and I left early in the morning and dragged our boat from the roadside through a little creek into the lake. There we sat for hours and I caught nothing. At that point I guess I could identify with Peter and some of the disciples who had chosen to go fishing after Jesus' resurrection.

According to John 21:3 "that night they caught nothing." How discouraged they must have been. And then, to add embarrassment to their failure as fisherman Jesus came along and said, "Children, have you any food?" How often we experience the same feelings when Jesus questions us about our efforts. The problem is that we fail to realize that we need to depend on him in all things. Scripture tells us that we are co-laborers together with God. Jesus then gave them the instruction "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." Now that must have sounded rather simple to the fishermen. What difference would fishing on the other side of the boat make? But when they obeyed Jesus the net was so full that "now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish." What a difference it makes when we partner with Jesus even in the every day things of life! Having obeyed and caught the fish the disciples were now able to respond to Jesus request to add some of their fish to the fire He had prepared in order to serve them a meal.

That morning the disciples learned that doing things Jesus' way not only gave them success, but also the joy and reward of fellowship with him. This fishing episode carries some worthwhile lessons for us. When we set out to do something in our lives we need to make sure we have consulted Jesus. We need his help. When Jesus is included in our plans and activities we not only see success but also enjoy his presence and fellowship. Even us non-fishermen can learn something from fishing.