Cast Your Nets Into the Deep
If you heard Jesus say to “Cast your nets into the deep” would you?
“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon [Peter], “Put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish]” (Luke 5:4 – AMP).
A few verses before this scripture, the disciples were washing their nets after fishing all night and returning to the shore in an empty boat. Then, Jesus borrowed Simon’s boat to teach the people nearby. After that, Jesus told the disciples to lower their nets.
Doubtful, they probably thought, “What does this guy know? We’re professional fishermen.” However, every principle in their how-to-fish book hadn’t worked.
Yet, they did what Jesus said and caught a boatload of fish. There were so many the fishermen needed other boats to bring in the haul of fish.
Jesus wanted them to receive an abundant harvest for letting Him use Simon’s boat to preach. Also, He wanted them to fish for men’s souls and gave them their life mission.
Cast Your Nets Into the Deep
Have you ever been in a similar situation where God asked you to step out in faith and go deeper with Him?
In another fishing expedition, Jesus told the disciples to cash their nets on the right side of the boat (John 21:6). Jesus wanted His disciples then and now to be on the right side of everything. Jesus’ symbolic message to His followers is that it’s possible to go through life casting from the wrong side. Obviously, because the disciples floundered, they lost their direction.
In that situation, Jesus had just been crucified. So, they thought since Jesus wasn’t physically nearby it was more logical to come up with their own answers. When life isn’t working out for us (as it wasn’t for the first disciples), could it be we aren’t asking God to guide us?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
That’s what Peter, Nathanael, and the other disciples had to do. They learned to trust God for their next step to fish for men.
Cast Your Nets Into the Deep: Why Fish for Men’s Souls?
I’ve always had an overwhelming concern for another person’s spiritual welfare. Consequently, my motives are routinely misunderstood. Nevertheless, I can’t act like it wasn’t a huge gift to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and not tell others my story.
Before Jesus left earth, He gave The Great Commission to future disciples to carry on His work.
Matthew 28:16-19
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is mine. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Here are a few other reasons to fish for men’s souls.
- Read this article describing how unsaved souls perish in hell. Jesus was very clear that it’s a place of never-ending torment.
- Christ died for every sinner. A Christian’s responsibility is to tell others about the good news of salvation.
- Time is running out. Ecclesiastes 9:12 – “Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.”
- Our adversary, the devil, knows how to catch men with lures like money, food, knowledge, and fame. Christians must be aware of his devices that addict people to sin.
- Fishing for men’s souls is a wise thing to do. Proverbs 11:30 – “The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity].”
Cast Your Nets Into the Deep To Complete God’s Great Commission
When a Christian exemplifies the love of God, it’s unmistakable. There’s nothing put on or fake about them. They live their lives so everyone sees authentic faith in motion driven by God’s love for them and others. Another distinctive quality is having a love for truth and an intense burden to see others come to Christ. They continue to say yes to The Great Commission, again and again.
In practical ways, a Christian can keep a list of souls to pray for earnestly. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to hungry and receptive people. Additionally, Christians cultivate relationships with people who need Christ, study scripture, and spend time with God to mature their faith. You can share a Christian CD, visit a neighbor, or hand out tracts.
It’s important to cast your nets into the deep whether you converse with a cashier or sit next to a fellow traveler. A Christian’s job is to deliver a message of salvation while God changes a person’s heart. Don’t undervalue what you do to bring others to Christ. A fertile heart can respond quickly to a simple offer of salvation.
Continue to Go Deeper
The Great Commission isn’t optional. Jesus expects us to cast a net for men’s souls to populate the kingdom of heaven. After that, it’s up to each individual to make a decision for Christ.
Matthew 13:47-50
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
I’ll never do enough for Jesus because of what He’s done for me. Still, I keep trying to reach people so they can choose to spend eternity in heaven.