He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. (John 21:6, ESV)
Thank you to the many PGA professionals who’ve helped us improve our games. Good advice can make a difference!
Today, let’s observe a historical fishing trip where advice was given. Here is the scene: Jesus has been crucified, buried, risen, and seen by some of His disciples and followers. Seven of His disciples have been fishing all night.
Remember, several of these guys were experienced fishermen. They knew how to catch fish, yet they fished all night without a single catch. Imagine a Tour Pro playing a round of golf and not making a single par, much less a birdie. They caught nothing!
When they gave up on fishing and called it quits, some unrecognizable man on land said, “Children, do you have any fish?” Imagine asking a Tour Pro after a round of golf, “Hey, did you make any birdies or pars?”
And then, to your surprise, they reply, “No, I played all 18 holes and not a single par.” Would you say to the pro, “Get your clubs, and let’s get back out there and start hitting more from the inside (or some other advice)?” If so, I’d like to hear their reply!
Back to our fishing story, Jesus tells these “Experienced” fishermen to let their nets down on the right side of the boat. Surprisingly, they didn’t tell the unrecognized advisor to bug off, scram, jump in the lake, or any other number of rebuttals. They let down their nets and the catch for an amazing 153 large fish!
Perhaps your first introduction to the incredible story of Jesus’ love for you and all the world was a family member, a friend, or possibly a person in your club—someone who happened to be present in your life who pointed you to Jesus.
Someone who knew you well enough to know, like many of us, you had spent countless hours chasing the big fish of life. Expending energy, effort, and time in pursuit of significance, substance, and status, only to “catch it” and still not be satisfied with yourself or your life.
The fishing story in John’s gospel ends with Jesus standing on the shore telling His disciples to have breakfast. He didn’t shame them for their past mistakes. (remember, just earlier in the story, Jesus had been arrested, and many of His followers fled. Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times, and Thomas doubted).
He invited all of them to fellowship with Him on the shore. Maybe in part to say I love you, even when you run from me, deny me, doubt me, or put other passions ahead of me.
Maybe in part to prepare them to be the agents of His great story for the world. Whatever the reason, it impacted their lives then and impacts our own lives now.
Many hesitate to accept the invitation from Jesus because of past mistakes, fears, and failures. You and I should be glad those disciples didn’t let their past mistakes keep them from joining Him that day.
Is He calling you to be present in someone else’s life on or off the course and share His story of grace with them?
As my friend Clarence Shuler once shared with me, “Don’t let the pain of your past punish you presently, paralyze your future, or pervert your purpose.”
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving us and allowing us to tell your story.