Vision 2011 ~ Empowerment In Ministry

Now a drag net was used from a boat, or better two boats. It was cast into the sea with ropes at each of the four corners and it had weight at the foot of it so that it would sink right down into the water. And, of course, when the boat rowed it would just scoop up the fish, they would pull the ropes tight at the top and the net would be full of fish. The Bible talks about a drag net in Matthew Chapter 13. And so as the boats were rowed it became a great cone, as it were, in the sea, weighted at the very end it would fall into a cone shape and it would just scoop up the fish. They would tie the ropes tight at the end and they would be caught.

And then there was what was called the casting net and that’s what they were using here. They were casting a net, not saganae, which is the drag net. They were casting it. This is a circular net about nine feet in diameter and they were really skillful at it. They knew how to cast it from the shore. From the edge of the lake it could be knee deep in water and it had pellets all around the edge kind of weighted down with little stones or whatever they would use and it would sink and surround the fish and they would pull the rope and pull it in. That’s what they were doing. You say, "Why are you telling me all that for?" I think it’s interesting. The word, incidentally is amphiblestron, from which we get amphibious, having to do with standing on the shore and throwing something into the water, sort of a two ways.

1 (b) Mending Nets (v. 21)

(i) Make sure you allow God to strengthen your family ties during this season.

God wants to strengthen marriages and the bond between parents and children. Also, make sure that you remain in good standing with extended family members as much as possible—especially those in the body of Christ. Make time for each other and deliberately plan family events at which old connections can be renewed.

(ii) Make sure you are aligned under proper authority.

Don’t be caught without a connection to the portion of the net above you. Submit yourselves to spiritual leaders you can trust—those who will truly look out for your souls. Make sure you are in relationships with leaders who walk in humility but also have great power, vision and purpose.

(iii) Surround yourself with covenant-keepers (strong men and women of God)

Now is the time to make sure your friends are people who can make and keep their promises. Set yourself in the midst of committed friends. You need people of great love and integrity who can walk with you so that when the trials of life come, your relationships are not ripped apart by false accusation, jealousy, competition, offense, gossip, bitterness, and so on.

(iv) Beware of the spirit of offense.

Satan will try to come after your "net connections." He probably already has! Don’t let yourself get offended with your spiritual leaders. Don’t allow small issues to fester and become infected through bitterness and unforgiveness. Beware of the enemy’s devices that will bring division and offense between you and others in the church. This is all part of his ploy to further weaken the nets that God wants to strengthen.