THE DRAUGHT OF FISHES by W. N. GLENN

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 3, 1890

THE DRAUGHT OF FISHES.

By W. N. GLENN

THE people pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God. There was a power in his preaching that was irresistible. It will be remembered that even at Nazareth, where before his discourse was ended they were ready to kill him, the congregation was for a time much affected by the 'gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.' And at Capernaum they followed him even into the solitary places where he had quietly retired for prayer. His manner was so different from that of the cold formality of the rabbis! There was warmth, and love, and true sympathy with the needs of all classes, as well as an unmistakable authority in his teaching that even the rulers could not successfully gainsay. In short, 'never man spake like this man.'

ON the occasion referred to in the lesson, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (or Lake Gennesaret), the multitude so pressed upon the great Preacher that he stepped into a boat lying at hand and asked the owner (Simon Peter) to 'thrust out a little from the land.' And then he sat down and taught the people who stood on the shore. To-day this seems like a novel way to preach. Well, it was the greatest of all preachers who assumed such a position. Why did he do so?—Because it was an opportunity to give his message to a large concourse of people. There was no choice of places or times with Jesus; it was merely opportunity that he sought, as he 'went about doing good.'

WHEN Jesus had finished his discourse, he told Peter to launch out into deep water and let down the nets for a draught of fishes. The men had toiled all night and taken nothing; so Simon thought it hardly worth while, nevertheless he obeyed the request of the 'Master,' as he had already learned to call Jesus. He was well rewarded. The haul was so great that the nets began to break. Then another boat was called, and both boats were so loaded that they 'began to sink.' But they did not sink. No such calamity could happen while Jesus was on board.

THIS new evidence of the divine wisdom of Jesus seems to have overwhelmed Simon more than anything previously; but his sudden fear was probably because he had entertained doubts regarding the utility of any further attempts to catch fish. But Jesus reassured the trembling disciple, telling him to 'fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' The poor penitent, in the fullness of his consciousness of sin, little thought that that was his first qualification for an honored

companion of the Lord and for a successful minister of the gospel. But so it proved. Why should anyone hesitate to leave all and follow the Master, after such a demonstration of his ability to provide for all the wants of his servants? It was enough for those disciples; it should be enough for anyone.

W. N. GLENN.