I'm a fisherman. I know how to catch the smallmouth and walleye and panfish that inhabit the lake by our small cabin. I know where the fish lurk, their feeding habits, and the best times to fish. I have my own proven lures and successful strategies. So I'm reluctant to take the advice of someone who rows over and tells me how to catch the fish in "my" lake.

So I can sympathize with Peter in today's Bible reading from Luke 5. He knew how to catch fish in the Sea of Galilee. It was "his" lake, but he had been out all night and hadn't caught a thing. "Sometimes the fish just don't cooperate," I can hear him say.

Then Jesus told him, "Let down your nets for a catch" (v.4). Peter said, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net" (v.5). He caught so many fish, he needed help to bring them to shore! Jesus then told Peter, "From now on you will catch men" (v.10). Jesus was more concerned that Peter learn to fish for souls.

When it comes to fishing for souls, the issue is not how good we are at persuading people. It's whether we are obeying the Master whenever His Spirit directs us to share the gospel story. Today, "let down your nets for a catch."  — David C. Egner