Fishers Of Men

by J.M Lindsay, Edinburgh, UK | Category: General | Jun 1986

Do you remember that occasion when the Lord came to His disciples after they, experienced fishermen that they were, had fished the night long without any success? "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught" He said (see Luke 5: 1-11 AV). Not only must it have seemed to them that they were vastly more experienced in such matters than He, but all conventional wisdom indicated that the night hours were more appropriate for serious fishing. Furthermore they were exhausted and ready to head home for food and refreshment. Something of that came through in Peter's reply, an undercurrent of reluctance, "Nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net", he said. The result of course, was one of the best, if not the best, catch of their lives.

They succeeded beyond all expectations when they went out in the Lord's company and allowed themselves to be guided by Him.

A Big Challenge

"Launch out into the deep" is the challenge to redeemed and consecrated disciples today as It was then. Then the challenge was a big one, "Go ye into ALL the world, and preach the gospel". The promise of fellowship accompanied the challenge - "Lo, I am with you always".

Today the appeal is no less challenging. Launch out in service, out into the deep to the very boundaries of faith, to accomplish for Him the seemingly impossible. All too often, in the face of such a challenge we become intimidated by the apparent hopelessness of the task, whatever it is, an attitude which the great adversary of our souls will of course always actively and persistently encourage.

The Training

He can do without us but what an honour that He elects to call us to His royal service. "Come ye after me" He said, "and I will make you fishers of men". He needs to fit us for that task, and only under His direction can we possibly know success. The training and subsequent moulding to make us vessels fit for His use can only happen in personal dealings with Him. That means intimacy of communion and great earnestness in prayer.

The Method

Carefully prepared and well mended nets were essential to catch the fish of Galilee. Furthermore the manner of laying the nets was critical. What care we need to exercise in presenting the message of salvation to the perishing. How important, for instance, to lead the sinner carefully step by step; first of all towards recognition of his true condition in the eyes of a holy and righteous God. Only after a definite conviction of sin before God will the sinner be ready to seek salvation. Thereafter the reality of inevitable judgement and the wonder of the sovereign mercy and grace of God in providing a way of escape will be more, easily understood and accepted.

And so step by step, whether publicly or privately, the perishing need to be guided towards a knowledge of salvation full and free "through faith in Jesus' name". But above all, to be effective fishers of men, we must go in fellowship with Him and under His direction. Otherwise we shall "toil all night and catch nothing".

J.M Lindsay, Edinburgh, UK | Jun 1986
General