Daily Devotional Details

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Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Matthew 4:21 (NIV)

Keeping their fishing nets in good repair was a major part of the disciples’ work in Jesus’ day. Thomas Boston in his book The Art of Manfishing focuses attention on the gospel net.

The net is woven from the promises of the gospel.
Our job is to spread the net—open up what Christ promises, and tell people what Christ offers. We are to make it clear what Christ can do—what He has done for you and what He can do for them.

If you want to catch fish, the mesh of your net must not be too wide.
If we only make general statement like “God loves you,” and we call people to faith, but never call them to repentance, we won’t catch people in the net.

The net must have weights on it, in the right proportion.
If you don’t have weights on your net, it will float on the surface of the water and you won’t catch any fish. So along with the mesh, which is the promises of the gospel, you must also have the weights of the law.

You can have a great net, with the right mesh, and the right weights, but unless you throw it out, you will not catch fish. We fulfill our mission by throwing out the gospel net. The weight of the law drives people to Christ, and the promise of the gospel draws them to Christ.

How is the gospel net being thrown out in your ministry? Where is there a clear communication of the gospel?