“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain” - Dolly Parton
Pastor Wes Kinder Jesus Gives a Fishing Lesson
Y’all know where is the best place to catch a fish? Right there in the side of his mouth!
Please read John 21:1-14 John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
When things don’t go our way we may think that our old life would be easier. Maybe a drink will solve the problem, maybe a swearing fit will make me feel better. Maybe if we go back to the life we had before we wouldn’t have the problems we have as Christians.
The old life may seem inviting – it wants us back. Peter was feelin’ all comfortable in this environment again, remember that the Lord had called him out of this former lifestyle. He was no doubt overwhelmed by what he had gone through. What with Jesus going on trial and going to the cross to die a horrible death and the tomb. And on Sunday morning He arose! And then He appeared to the disciples – multiple times.
It was a lot to take in. Here is the problem. When Peter went fishing he took people with him. When we slip or backslide we may take people with us.
Peter was skilled at fishing. He knew his trade. But, he caught nothing. No amount of skill could coax the fish into his net. No amount of experience could catch those fish – The Lord was not leading Peter into the fishing business. He was calling him to be fishers of men. Jesus was calling him to share Christ with folks who needed Him.
He has come for His disciples because He did not save them and call them so that they could return to their old life and be fishermen again. He has a better plan for their lives. He allowed them to have a miserable night, He made sure that the fish stayed away and that their night would be a disappointing one.
He will guide us back! Jesus told them to set out their nets on the other side of the boat, and this time they filled all the fish they could carry.
Now, day is breaking, the disciples are pulling towards the shore and there is the Lord sitting on the beach frying up some fish for all the guys. Without Jesus we can accomplish nothing, John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
This amazes me! Christ, after the disciples’ unbelief, after they had scarpered when the heat was turned up, after Peter denied and Thomas doubted, Jesus still wanted to fellowship with them. But He is Christ; He knows their needs. He knows our needs! He took care of physical need to get to the spiritual needs.
Jesus has a very convincing way of getting our attention so as we may accomplish His will and not ours. Much as Peter found enjoyment in fishing, we can find enjoyment in doing things that are decent and okay activities, but it isn’t what the Lord has called us to do. Jesus tells us in Luke 9:23 that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Him! Our Lord is amazing!
Choose Jesus, choose life! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! And y’all please KEEP PRAYIN’ for RAIN! It keeps the drought away! Amen.