Proclaiming the gospel: What we learn from casting nets
It was the tenth or so time I had slung the 12-foot net into the waves while fishing where I am vacationing in Florida. As my biceps burned from casting the lead-weighted net into the gulf, the text of Mark 1:16-20 came to life. Indian Shores, Florida, started feeling a lot like Galilee. I could taste a little of how Simon, Andrew, James, and John experienced as they spit sand and mopped sweat.
4 observations on fishing with nets
In the text, the soon-to-be disciples of Jesus Christ (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) teach us about casting nets.
1. Fishermen.
They cast their nets because they were fishermen. Fishermen cast nets, it is just what they do. Notice also that they fished in teams instead of trying to manage boats and nets alone.
2. Fatigue.
They cast nets even with fatigued biceps, wiping sweat from their brows with calloused hands. Casting nets exhausts the body.
3. Failure.
They cast nets even after pulling many empty nets into the boat, shaking their heads and wondering where all the fish went. It is ridiculous to expect a large catch with every cast.
4. Fish.
They cast nets with the goal of catching fish. This involves being in a place where there are fish, and pursing the catch.
4 challenges to the fishermen
1. Proclaim the gospel as a lifestyle, because that is just what disciples do. It is expected that a Christian will witness in the same we that we think “duh!” when told that fishermen fish. Also, work with a team to share the gospel by supporting and encouraging one another to keep fishing. Hold each other accountable. Being a loner is arrogance, not bravery.
2. Persevere in sharing the gospel. When you’ve have a grueling work schedule, proclaim the gospel. Calloused hands belong to those who have pushed on through pain and exhaustion, not to those too self-conscious to try. The marks on Christ’s hands show that He gave His life to the Father’s business. Let our hands show that we are about our Father’s business.
3. When the nets come up empty and we fail to see the results we expected, by all means, analyze the situation and figure out what might have gone wrong. Mend nets. But never let the fear of failure keep you from fishing. The only reason to stop and mend nets is for the purpose of gearing up to try again the next morning at sunrise.
4. Be where the fish are. Sitting on a pew is not fishing. Listening in the pews on Sunday morning may serve to help you mend your net, but go out and engage the lost.
We proclaim the gospel by His power for His glory. Let’s cast our nets.
Can you think of any other elements of fishing with nets that have parallels to proclaiming the gospel? The idea of drawing a net in reminds me of John 6:44. Fish can’t resist the net once drawn up in it. Fish don’t willingly go into nets, they are surprised by them (and we don’t willingly love God first either). The net brings death. I haven’t fully thought out all of that though…
Lastly, a prayer request
I have a prayer request. I spent time casting my nets and fishing Tuesday afternoon with a man named Mark. He was doing some construction work on a beach house nearby and we joined up for the afternoon to fish. Lord willing, this morning (Wednesday) I will be fishing at sunrise with Mark. And I will put some of this to practice and share the gospel. Will you lift Mark and I up in prayer to the Father who alone can change hearts, open eyes, and save sinners?
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If you are into the Puritan’s, you should definitely check out the book, “The Art of Manfishing” by Thomas Boston. http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=921062&item_code=WW&netp_id=231213&event=ESRCN&view=covers
Any update on your friend Mark. A lot of times God calls us to plant or water a seed, and all we can do is to trust Him for the growth of that seed!
I added the book to my shopping cart, thank you for the recommendation. I tend to read books faster when they are recommend!
Turns out, God provided a time to speak with Mark on the final day. He was saved, and had an testimony that displayed the power of God to radically change a man’s life.
In the end, I believe God was teaching me about evangelism (and still is!). If I really cared for Mark, how could I not share the gospel (even if he turned out to be saved)? If I loved Christ, how could I not proclaim His name, the only name under heaven given among men by which we may be saved?
It was a strange feeling that came over me when he shared some of his testimony. It was not relief that I did not have to share, but relief that he was not missing out on Jesus Christ. It was a feeling that stands in contrast to what I have felt in the past when evangelizing. I think, in part, that feeling can be traced to a deeper love for Christ and the lost. That love is something I want more of, and have not tasted as strongly in the past.
Thank you for asking about Mark.