John 21:4–6: But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
The word for children is almost like saying, “Sirs.” It is not a term of endearment like “Little children” in 1 John. Their answer is a short “No.” If they had caught any fish, they all would have been showing Him how long they were. This is a question He is bound to ask every one of us someday: “Did you catch anything? What did you do for men down there on earth?” I hope your answer will not be the same as theirs, “No, we haven’t caught a thing.” The whole thought here is that He directs the lives of His own. He gives the instructions, and they are to be obeyed. When they fish according to His instruction, the net fills. Notice the net does not break even though it is full. The net is strong—as strong as the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, of which they are witnesses. 1
Your Word is Truth
The reason we may be experiencing personal defeat is because we are not listening to and obeying His instructions. Remember Jesus said: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” Are we giving our life away (time, talent, treasures) for the purposes of Christ? Are we seeking self satisfaction or are we wanting to please the Lord…whenever and wherever?
But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. –Luke 5:5–6
You Alone are God
He caught us so we could catch others. – TWEET IT
Your Will be Done
Lord, thank You for directing me towards what is most important in life.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
