Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

^“4  When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

 ⁵  Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.”

 ⁶  When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break;

 ⁷  so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink.

 ⁸  But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

 ⁹  For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken;

 ¹⁰  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”

 ¹¹  When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.”  Luke 5:4-11. 

I do not think the only reason why Simon, James, and John worked hard all night and caught nothing, but then caught two boat-loads of fish upon obeying Jesus’ command, is to show the greatness of Jesus’ miracle. 

I think another reason why Simon, James, and John worked hard all night and caught nothing, is to be an important part of the analogy between catching fish and catching men. 

With men, it is impossible to catch or convert men. 

^“10  as it is written,
         “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
    ¹¹  THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
         THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
    ¹²  ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
         THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
         THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”  Romans 3:10-12.                             

It is not just a matter of trying harder to catch men.  In my experiences and observations at different denominations and different churches, it was so discouraging and so disheartening for me and others to try and also watch others catch men through their own strategies and their own hard work.  And, you could not help but feel sorry for “God” through this image of “God” waiting and watching to see what men would do and wringing his hands. 

But, with God, it is not only possible to catch or convert men, it is irresistable. 

In sharp black-and-white contrast to the futile strategies and hard work of man, you have here the words of Jesus:  “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 

(Emphasis added to the foregoing verses.)