To reap a harvest one must first plant a seed. The word of God is filled with stories of immeasurable harvest originating from seeds sowed in the name of Jesus Christ. One example in particular can be found in the gospel of Luke when Jesus used fishing to inspire His disciples to fish for souls.

"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat." (Luke 5:1-3)

Using the water's edge of the Sea of Galilee as a natural amplifier, Jesus taught the word of God to those who would listen. He often used such natural settings when speaking to larger crowds, this of course was conducive to public speaking. Jesus also taught at busy markets, synagogues and privately at people's homes. But on this day, Jesus' plan revolved around fishing and His servant Peter.

"4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." (Luke 5:4-5)

By asking Peter to cast his nets in spite of the night's disastrous catch, Jesus' action provides a golden opportunity for Peter to show his obedience to the Lord. Just as Peter did, we are all called to perform works in Jesus' name often when we are tired or incapable of foreseeing results of actions pleasing to God.

Peter was a fisherman by trade while Jesus was a carpenter. Taking advice from an inexperienced man after a long night's work proved Peter's faith in Christ, and was soon rewarded accordingly.

"6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink." (Luke 5:6-7)

Do you know how much fish it takes to sink a boat? Even if these were mere row boats, the number of fish required to sink them would in deed have been tremendous. What makes this biblical story unique is the area where Jesus performed a miracle had recently been harvested by men to no avail.

Jesus made it possible to catch fish at a time of day least likely to produce such a catch. Peter was humbled when he realized this and confessed his doubt shamefully. Peter knew he was in the presence of a man sent from God.

"8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners." (Luke 5:8-10)

All those present that day were amazed with the miracle they had witnessed. Jesus later used this miraculous act to empower Peter as a minister to all those who would listen.

"Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10-11)

Jesus tells us to be unafraid as we cast our spiritual nets. Relying on our faith in Christ, discipleship commands we leave our boats behind and follow Jesus along our walk to eternal life.

In this story, the boats are our sins, our distractions, our unbelief. The fish are the souls of those who are lost living without the hope that comes with faith in Jesus Christ. Since these fishes are not likely to jump out of the water right into our hands, we must all humble ourselves before the Lord then cast our nets, even in the most unlikely places.

Are you abiding by Jesus' command fishing for men and women that are lost in the world? Where are you casting your lines, where are you fishing for lost souls? We all should be fishing for Jesus every opportunity we get, no matter if we are tired or skeptic.

I invite you to call on this ministry for great fishing spots in your area or, for ways you can get involved in remote ministry thanks to the internet and modern technology. Whatever you do, do something! Cast a net in the name of Jesus Christ and allow Him to produce a catch beyond human expectations. Let's pray!