No Wear No Tear
by Dennis Lee
Wear and tear is the damage that is associated with and inevitably occurs as a result of normal use or aging. The expression refers to the damage or deterioration resulting from ordinary use.
But there is nothing ordinary or common about our service to the Lord, so this phrase is without significance when it comes to the Kingdom of God.
After His resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples on the shore of Galilee. They had gone out fishing the night before but didn’t catch a single fish. When Jesus showed Himself at the shoreline, they didn’t recognize Him, and then He called out for them to cast the net on the other side of the boat.
They did so and instantly the net was so full of fish they couldn’t haul it into the boat. At this time Peter and John recognized Jesus, but Peter dove into the water and swam to shore while the rest of the disciples dragged the net behind the boat. But then Peter helped them drag it onto the shore.
Notice the testimony of the net.
“Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.” (John 21:11)
Considering the enormous size of the catch, dragging the net in the water and then unto the shore should have torn it open, or at least in some places. But the Lord kept it in tack to give the disciples the abundance.
When the Lord gives, He does so without sorrow. He gives to us above and beyond what we can ask or even think (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus says when we seek His kingdom and righteousness, then He will supply all our needs (Matthew 6:33).
When God gives to us His blessings, along with the gifts He provides, all we need to do is enjoy them. He never allows the net to tear and the blessings to scatter. The key is we must do it His way, we must cast the net where He tells us, and then the blessings will be ours.
So, when we’re about Kingdom of God business, then there will be no wear and tear.
Dennis graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with BA in business administration and an M.A. in theology from Talbot School of Theology. He also has an MDiv equivalency degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dennis is a prolific writer. He presently has two books, “From Here to There: A Journey to Spiritual Transformation,” and “Wells of Living Waters,” along with other books and pamphlets that he describes as “down the pike.” He also writes a religious column for a local newspaper entitled, “Rediscover the Bible for Life,” along with daily devotionals and thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Living Waters Fellowship’s Website. Dennis is presently the senior pastor of Living Waters Fellowship in Mesquite, Nevada.
Feature Photo by Vlada Karpovich
I have found this to be so true in my life, since discovering the truth of God in His Word.
I am thankful for your response, Vicky! It is so true in all who believe! God Bless!
I think it is true for all of our lives in the Lord. Praying for you guys. Take care and God bless
I love that parallel in this account in Matthew, and this gives us great hope. Serving God in His way where and how He calls us to serve His kingdom is the key to the promise in Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” When we do serve God in His way and “cast” where He asks us to cast, we will not burn out, and we will reap that fruit in His timing. My husband and I have found this to be true in our own lives and ministry, and this is something we have had to learn over the years.
Amen!
Thank you. Praying for you and Ken
Excellent illustrative message brother, thank you!
God gives great illustrations for our lives. Thanks, and may the Lord bless.