After Jesus died the twelve returned to Galilee. One day they all went fishing. Although experienced fishermen, they worked all night and caught nothing. About daybreak, Jesus appeared on the shore. He called out to them, "Children, have ye any food?" When they replied, "No," he said, "Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find." They did, and to their surprise, they caught a multitude of fish. (John 21:1-6)

There seems to be an important message for us today. It may sometimes seem that we work long and hard in soul winning but with negative results. It is discouraging, and often we are at a loss as to what to do. Maybe the answer can be found here. Maybe we need to think about casting our net in a different direction. Personally, I have had to do this more than once in my life.

It is God's will that everyone has the opportunity of hearing the gospel, but He also warned that some would not be receptive. Some would be violently opposed to the gospel, and others would be apathetic and indifferent. In such cases Jesus said that they were to depart from that house or city and go elsewhere. (Lk. 10:10,11) There were too many people in the world who would be thrilled to hear the "good news" for them to waste time with those who were not worthy. They were to cast their nets to the "right" side.

As "fishers of men", what can preachers, elders and church leaders learn from this?

We may learn that sometimes a congregation needs to cast to the "right" side. A specific target area may not be productive. In such cases a different one should be selected. This may even call for a change of locations. A different part of town may offer a better chance of growth. Merging with another faithful congregation may be the answer. The leadership needs to have vision. They need to pray for wisdom. They need a willingness to do whatever is best for the Lord's work to prosper and grow. They should be flexible and not so bound by tradition that they will continue fishing from the wrong side of the ship.

In mission work, foreign and domestic, it sometimes becomes necessary to cast the net to the other side. I know of congregations that have poured money into unproductive mission work for twenty or thirty years. I know of a mission congregation that is about the same size today as it was forty years ago, and a congregation continues to support it. I can't help but think of parts of the world where people are receptive to the gospel. They are pleading for help. They are sending to us the "Macedonian call" - "Come... help us!" And, we can't go because our funds are tied up in works that are unproductive. There are times when we need to consider making positive changes and cast our nets to the right side!