“Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find [fish]. They cast, therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” — John 21:6
Everyone who in living faith follows Jesus, with an eye single to his glory, will see of the salvation of God just as surely as these discouraged fishermen saw their boats filled by the miraculous draught. It was because Christ was in the ship that they were successful in their efforts to catch fish. The indwelling presence of the Savior is equally necessary in the work of winning souls.
In order to save the fallen race, Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, laid aside his royal robe and kingly crown, clothed his divinity with humanity, and came to this earth as our Redeemer. Here he lived as a man among men, meeting the temptations that we must meet, and overcoming through strength from above. By his sinless life he demonstrated that through the power of God it is possible for man to withstand Satan’s temptations.
We may endeavor to resist temptation in our own strength, doing our best to overcome; but we shall meet with disappointment after disappointment. And thus it is in our efforts to win men and women to the Savior. Dependence on our own wisdom will result in repeated failure, causing us much anxiety and sorrow. This was the condition of mind in which Christ found the fishermen on the shore of the sea of Galilee, after their night of unrewarded labor.
Long had the fishermen toiled that night; often had they been disappointed, as time and again the net was drawn up empty. But now, at the bidding of the divine One, they launched out into the deep, and once more cast their net into the sea. And what an abundance of fish they gathered! The sight of the miraculous draught swept away their unbelief, and they were ready to respond to Christ’s invitation to follow him, and learn to be fishers of men.
The breaking net, the sinking ship, the surprise and gratitude of Peter and his companions, their willingness to follow the Savior and to do his bidding—all these are object lessons for us in the work of soul saving. However long and faithfully we may toil in our human strength, we can hope for no results for good; but as soon as we welcome Christ into the heart, he works with and through us, for the salvation of souls. (1)
Charge for the Day: Today, welcome Christ into your heart once more. Ask Him to work with and through you for the salvation of souls. Ask Him to open your heart and eyes to the ones who need to hear a word from you. Ask Him to show you the exact way to reach a certain person. Follow His leading and listen for His voice as you go out to win souls for His Kingdom.
1. The Review and Herald, August 27, 1903