“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”  (Luke 5:5)

I have a dear friend who periodically texts me and asks, “Are you fishing?”  His question has nothing to do with water, boats, poles, tackle, etc.  It has to do with soul-winning.  Jesus called us to be “fishers of men.” The activity of fishing has a goal in mind....to catch fish.  Fishing without catching misses the point.  Much can be learned about soul-winning as we look at the art of fishing.  

Simon was a master fisherman but his boat was empty. This is an illustration of many churches as well as Christians who never catch fish.  I believe the Holy Spirit inspired this event to teach us how we too can have “empty boats.”  One thing I see is the fishing took place in “the night.”  We will never catch fish unless we allow our “light to so shine before men.”  Who can win souls by hiding their light “under a bush?”  Another thing is “they toiled.”  Jesus said in the Great Commission to teach “as we go.”  Soul-winning is to be a lifestyle, not an exercise.  Finally, Simon said, “at thy word I will” and he caught more fish than his boat could hold.  Obedience leads to harvest.

Today is July 30.  We see the remedy for “empty boats.”

Blessings,

Jim