March 14

1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret.

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake; but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

6 And when they said this done, they inclosed

a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken.

10 And so near also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch thee.

11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

In this parable we have the three F's—Failure, Faith and Fortune.

I. Failure—"Toiled—nothing." They toiled hard—dropping their nets and drawing them up again, empty. Failure. "And this is the word which many pastors and Christian workers may feel themselves obliged to write underneath many of their undertakings and efforts. But God holds us responsible only for duties, never for results."—T. L. Cuyler.

II. Faith.—"Nevertheless, at Thy word," etc. "There spake out a resolute and a relying Faith. Faith set the bow of Peter's little smack right towards the deep water, and then laid hold of the oar. This is precisely the same thing which we pastors, and Sunday-school teachers, and parents must do straightway. Invite Jesus into our undertakings, for we cannot fail if He is with us in the boat. Then let us pull out into the deep water of thorough, conscientious, faithful work. The fish are in the deep water, not near the shore."—T. L. Cuyler.

III. Fortune. Lo, a multitude of fishes. The net breaking. The other smack comes up and saves the load. The loaded boats are pulled ashore, and the happy day's work ends in a fulness of blessing.

Closet Promise.—Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.—Gal. vi. 9.

—Though to day may not fulfill All thy hopes, have patience still;

For perchance to-morrow's sun Sees thy happier days begun. —P. Gerhart.