“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said “We’ll go with You.” So they went and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:3 NIV)
We are eternally fruitless apart from Jesus’ involvement in our daily life.
Look at these disciples. Jesus found them fishing at the beginning of His ministry, and now, after everything they had seen and done, they are back in the boat of self-provision. But the nets are empty. They catch nothing.
The fish that the Sea of Galilee is famous for are caught at night. A coming dawn with an empty boat is a metaphor. These disciples had tried to move forward in their story apart from Jesus and it yielded nothing but net.
Once we’ve met Jesus, the idea is that we include Him in every aspect of our lives. Whether we are fishing or fellowshipping, working or resting, learning or teaching, walking or talking.
“Every human activity, except sin, can be for God’s pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise. You can wash dishes, repair a machine, sella product, write a computer program, grow a crop and raise a family for the glory of God.” (Rick Warren, Purpose Driven Life)
After we’ve encountered Jesus, now filled with the Spirit, we include Him in all exploits going forward. This inclusion and awarenesses of His presence serves as a great insulation from sin but also a compass to orient our souls toward true North. With the Holy Spirit having taken up residence in our flesh, we can take Jesus into every situation and every conversation, every page and paragraph of our story.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17 NIV)
When we listen to Jesus, when we include Him in our activities of daily living, we become more fruitful.
“He said, “Throw your net on the right side of he boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” (John 21:6 NIV)
That morning the disciples caught fish. But soon they’d be catching people, pulling them into the boat of salvation. They’d learn how to include the risen Savior in every aspect of their otherwise ordinary existence. And through that inclusion, they would become exceedingly fruitful. As can we, through Spirit empowerment plus intentional inclusion.
Lord, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit for all believes. Please make us more aware of and willing to receive the fullness of Your presence. May we also learn to include You in the day to day details of our lives. Line us up with Your will and make us fruitful as only You can. Amen.