Christ Empowered Ministry John 21:1-6

Text:  “Abide in Me (Christ Jesus), and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me…without Me ye can do nothing.”

John 15:4-5.

Good morning, Christ-abiding Christian!  Your service and ministry to the Lord is a most fruitful one; you want for nothing in Spiritual power; in Scriptural knowledge; in sharp Spiritual discernment; and in perfect peace.  What is your secret?  The secret of a powerful, vibrant, and successful Christian ministry is to be at all times seeking to ‘abide’ in Christ’s Presence.

“Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy Presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”  (Psalm 16:11)

“Then he (an angel of God) answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might (human endeavour, will, or strength), nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”  (Zechariah 4:6)

Today’s Bible reading in our Journey in John’s Gospel clearly teaches us the principle of always seeking to have a Christ-empowered ministry for the Lord.  If we seek to glorify the Christ, we shall have all the power we require to do so.  Without the Christ, we can do nothing for the Christ.  Praise His Name!

Natural Fishing:  Fishing for fish is said to be fun - I cannot comment, since I have little experience in fishing for fish.  It is no doubt a very relaxing sport; or an activity that can bring in a catch by human, or natural, endeavour.  It can sustain natural life by supplying the fisherman and his family with necessary food.  But natural fishing can do nothing for the soul!

Supernatural Fishing:  Fishing for souls, on the other hand, is a Supernatural activity, undertaken only by those God has chosen to be ‘…fishers of men…’ in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Without God’s Supernatural guidance, empowerment, and will - you and I could do absolutely nothing to win a soul for Christ.  God’s Spirit alone can empower us for such Supernatural fishing.

“And Jesus said unto them (His chosen disciples), Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”  (Mark 1:17)

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

Today’s Bible reading clearly depicts this concept of the Supernatural power required when a believer goes ‘fishing for souls’ in Christ’s service.  Heed it well, Christian.

The recently resurrected Christ Jesus appears unto a number of His disciples as they were together, making decisions as to what activity they would pursue that day.  Big Simon Peter, always the impulsive one, decided he would ‘…go a fishing…’.  But he had his mind focused on mere fishing for fish, and the Lord came unto him to remind him of his Spiritual priorities.

The Lord taught His lesson in a most practical manner, and, when we latter day Christians get the opportunity, so should we.

The Lord let them fish for fish all night - without any success - before He appeared on the shore to reveal unto them His way of doing things.

He first questioned them with the vital question: "Children, have ye any meat?  They answered Him, No..." (V.5) Their human endeavours throughout the entire night had brought them in nothing.  They must have been sorely disappointed.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with Mine eye.”  (Psalm 34:8)

Image the disciple’s annoyance when this voice on the shore directed them to “…Cast in thy net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” (V.6) However, with nothing to lose for an extra effort, “They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”  (V.6)

Christ’s directions are always totally correct.  Without the Lord God we can do nothing good, nothing positive, nothing Spiritually to win souls or glorify the risen Christ. 

On the other hand, with Christ, we can do ALL things.  (Philippians 4:13)

Thought:  Let us seek Christ’s Supernatural direction and power when we fish for precious souls for His Kingdom.  The Lord be with you, beloved in Him.