Centuries ago there was a business-man named Simon, who with his partners owned and operated an essential commercial enterprise. These men were in the fishing business. Their capital consisted of two ships, nets, and fishing equipment. They supplied their own labor and Simon appears to have been the manager.
In Luke's Gospel there is a brief account of an incident concerning this business. It is related that the partners toiled all night fishing in the darkness in conformity with the common practice of those times, but their efforts were unsuccessful and the two ships were brought in to shore in the morning after an unprofitable venture. While the partners were cleaning their nets, Jesus of Nazareth, the great spiritual Teacher, appeared and a crowd gathered about him, pressing upon him so that Jesus entered into Simon's ship and taught the people from there. Simon listened too, as Jesus spoke the Word of God. When he had finished, Jesus told Simon to take the ship out into deep water and to let down the nets. Simon obeyed, and this time so many fish were caught that both ships were required and were filled to overflowing.
What was the difference between the two ventures? The same capital and labor were used and Simon was the manager on both occasions. Dismal failure was the result of the first expedition, while success crowned the second endeavor. There was indeed a difference, a very great one. In the successful transaction the Christ was present.
