Today in my reading, I stumbled across Luke 5:2. This is the chapter when Jesus first approaches Peter to follow Him and become one of the 12. This verse says, “And he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fisherman, who were washing their nets”.
As I studied this verse further, I learned when fisherman return from sea after fishing with nets all day, they must first wash the nets with FRESH water and stretch them. I also learned that if this process was not followed consistently that the nets would rot and new nets must be found and used.
As I read this I was astounded at how the Lord chooses to communicate to us through Scripture. It is not a mistake that the fisherman were called to be followers of Christ. Every word that God speaks in Scripture is useful to the building of our faith. The washing water and stretching of the nets can quickly relate to our lives. We must be continually washed with the water of the Word and stretched by the Spirit if we are to remain useful. If we dont remain in the Word and stretched by the Spirit then why would the Lord use us? When the Lord wants to use someone for His glory or for Kingdom purpose, He doesn’t chose the one who is rotting or brittle. He touches the one who has been washed in the water of the Word and who is stretched and disciplined. When Jesus chose Peter, He was faithfully washing and stretching his nets for the next fishing trip. Little did Peter know that this principal would be parallel in his spiritual walk to come and would minister to us today. I dont know about you, but I want to be useful for the building of the Kingdom of God! Time to get to washing and stretching those nets!
