The Nets We Cast in His Name

We all know the results of that miraculous catch made by Christ’s disciples in the Sea of Galilee. The nets almost broke because of the number of fish. They had fished all night without results, but His word brought about the miracle. Simon doubted for a moment, but in the end he cast the nets, trusting in the word of his Master, who had told him to put out into deep water and cast the nets on the right side of the boat. It is a passage that offers us a great lesson, because we must know in whose name we cast our nets. Are you sure that you are casting your nets at the Master’s word and in His name, rather than at some other word or in some other name? God says, “The kingdom of heaven is also like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; and when it was full, they drew it ashore; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into baskets, but threw the bad ones away” (Matthew 13:47.48). Do you notice the difference, dear brothers and sisters? We must be very careful with the dragnets we cast without reflection, believing that we are fulfilling the Great Commission. How many lives do we “catch” in one of our humanly organized hauls, only for them, shortly after saying “the prayer of faith,” to leave the fold through the back door, making sure not to leave any trace behind?

I am saddened when I see the “Christian?” videos circulating out there that are devoid of the good news of salvation in Christ. There are many “prophets” who claim to be anointed, casting nets or commanding that they be cast in their own name and at their own word, rather than in Christ. They are those who make a living from the gospel. It is healthy to distinguish between those who live the gospel and those who make a living from it. But although this is another matter that belongs exclusively to God to judge, we cannot make the cross of Christ meaningless by concealing these truths. The Kingdom is given to those who recognize that they possess no ability of their own, to the humble in heart. God speaks to us through the prophet Isaiah to remind us that He is the true fisherman if we cast the nets in His name. Our strength and power rest in Him. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says…you will be saved only if you return to me and rest in me; in quietness and confidence is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15)

That is how it is. At times we tend to trust more in our own strength and in our nets than in the incarnate Word, who gives us the command to cast them with the assurance of an abundant catch. The word of God reminds us that our spiritual condition is poor. This is not so with the many “prophets” of these times who do not acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and insist on proclaiming a gospel of their own—a counterfeit gospel of their own making—and casting it into the evangelical world as though they were pop stars seeking accolades from men. Their nets may catch souls, perhaps, but not hearts that repent and rest in Christ. They are the evangelists who proclaim that “suffering is over” and that we are ready to enjoy an unrestrained prosperity based on practicing a watered-down gospel that increasingly ensnares the multitudes who are in need of the true God.

In Christ’s name and at His word, we can cast the nets all night with the certainty of an abundant catch. In His word, trusting in His eternal promises, we will live joyfully, bearing fruit for the Kingdom. God bless you!