John 21:6 And he said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find. They cast therefore… It was quite natural that this miracle should carry their thoughts back to that draught when their nets brake — the type of those poor tentative trial missions which alone these men had been capable of when they knew Christ only after the flesh. This erie was a type of the works greater than His own which Christ promised. Note — I. THE ASSURANCE THAT THERE IS A DIRECTING VOICE AND A GUIDING HAND. The disciples did not yet know the voice, and we do not always discern it; for Christ speaks in many tones — by circumstance, character, influence. What a relief and comfort this is! II. It is no play on the words to say that there is A RIGHT AND A WRONG SIDE OF THE SHIP FOR THE CASTING OF THE NET. When Christ says the right side we must not choose the left. There is an awkward, clumsy, inappropriate way of offering truth and love to men as well as a way that is suitable, winning — to use the figure here, adroit, dexterous, and therefore Christ's way. III. WHAT IS CAST MUST BE THE NET, THE GOSPEL NET. 1. A prophet speaks of those who sacrifice to their own net. We may have a net of our own, and take great pains with it in making and mending, and think highly of it as an instrument for catching, and even fancy that it has caught, because there is a thronging and pressing to hear, and because men praise the thing heard — and lo! there is what God calls nothing in the net. 2. The great elements of gospel revelation must find place in all teaching — sin, the Divine Saviour, the Holy indwelling Spirit, sanctification, &c. — these things, not rawly or roughly flung out, but tenderly and sweetly impressed, must never be thrown behind in comparison with topics of the day. IV. YE SHALL FIND. He does not say, "All at once," nor "all you would," nor "so as to see it now;" but He puts no limit to our hope and prayer. Not one earnest sermon falls to the ground. Some conscience is quickened, some sorrow comforted, or some life guided. (Dean Vaughan.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. |
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