Nets no more!

For three years, Simon, Andrew, James and John left their nets and traveled with Jesus. During that time, they saw miracles, heard Jesus teach and watched him show the full extent of love by going to the cross. At the end of John's gospel we find the disciples going back to the fishing business. What I find amazing is their fishing expedition happened after the resurrection. My question is why did they go back? Can you imagine their thought process? Jesus conquers death - Let's go fishing! 

There are times in ministry when we think we have accomplished all that God has planned for us, so the natural tendency is to go back to what is familiar in our lives. Maybe that was the thinking behind the boys fishing trip. After all the resurrection was the ultimate miracle, was there anything else to experience? Well if you read John 21 and the book of Acts you know the answer is yes! 

In John 21 Jesus recommissions Peter, and in Acts 1 he recommissions the disciples, sending them out as his witnesses. It is interesting to note after their recommission, they never pick up their nets again. Instead, they become part of the greatest world changing, behavior modification, grace distribution and hope giving movement man has ever known. It all began when they choose "Nets No More" 

When I was growing up in in Jacksonville Florida we used to sing the song at church camp titled, "I have decided to follow Jesus" Note the lyrics... 

1. I have decided to follow Jesus; I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back, no turning back.
2. Though I may wonder, I still will follow; Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
   Though I may wonder, I still will follow; No turning back, no turning back.
3. The world behind me, the cross before me; The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;No turning back, no turning back.
4. Though none go with me, still I will follow; Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow; No turning back, no turning back.
5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus?No turning back, no turning back.

   

While it is a simple song it conveys the message and the actions of those fishermen when they decided nets no more. I hope we call share the zeal and commitment of those first fishermen, for God has so much for us if we simply stay committed to his call.