Good Catch!

Reading: John 21:1-18

"Follow Me; I will make you fishers of men" (Mt 4:19)

It's not without reason that Jesus compared soulwinning to fishing. Fishermen cannot be casual as they sail into the sea. They have to follow certain rules and regulations if they should have a good catch. So also in winning men and women for Christ.

First of all, we must not expect sinners to come to us. Rather, we must go to them. This step is first and foremost. Jesus personally came down from Heaven to the world to meet sinners (1 Tim 1:15; Jn 10:10). He met sinners, right where they were _ in villages and on streets, in festivals and funerals, in seashores and on mountains, and even in graveyards (Jn 4:8; 5:6; 9:1). His primary orders to His followers is to GO! Nothing happens until we go to people.

Jesus not only went to people, but also identified Himself with them. He left His Sovereignity and assumed servanthood (Phil 2:6,7). He was the sinless God, but He had no problem to call sinful men and women as His brothers and sisters (Heb 2:14,15). Apostle Paul had the same spirit. He testified, "I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. I do all this to spread the Good News" (1 Cor 9:19-23). It is said that some of the high caste Hindus in India refused to give water or food to Western missionaries in their tumblers and plates. Missionaries like T.G. Ragland (1815-1858) had used their hats to receive broth from villagers during their evangelistic tours! We must die to our so-called prestige if we are to bless the people.

Like a fisherman we must diligently grow in efficiency. Watchfulness and hard work are indispensable. Peter did not stop his efforts at midnight even though he caught nothing. He was toiling and moiling the whole night! He was patient on the job till morning _ the miracle morning! (Lk 5:4-6). The Bible was written by active soulwinners and aggressive missionaries. If only we study it carefully, we will get many tips from the truths it presents.

Peter called fisherfolk from other boats to come and help him in his unusual catch (Lk 5:7,10). The harvest will be multiplied when there's corporate labour. The Bible arithmetic is interesting: "One person will chase 1000 whereas two will put 10000 to flight!" (Dt 32:30).

Speed away! Speed away on your mission of light,
To the lands that are lying in darkness and night;
'Tis the Master's command; go ye forth in His Name,
The wonderful Gospel of Jesus proclaim!
(Julia Sterling)

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Evangelism: NextJUNE 20