John 21:8 English Standard Version (ESV) The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

Now to address the second type of Christ followers. Allow me to address this first, they were close, close enough to see and hear Christ, but they are not there yet.

Psalm 73:28 English Standard Version (ESV) But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

The boat represents a safe haven for the accomplishment of good works. Men will find refuge in this place but it is not being with God, it is merely being close. It is a sanctuary of worship and obedience but they fail to take that leap of faith for fear of losing the fish the Lord had identified as being where they were fishing.

Read John 21:4-8 again and notice that Jesus addresses what they are doing and helps them. Nowhere in that telling story does He say “bring those fish to me”. The purpose of the boat was to fish and they were laborers doing the work of the boat.

Doing the work of the church does not mean we have taken that leap of faith and come to Christ leaving everything behind except who we are as flawed humans. Do not get me wrong, those on the boat can take that leap of faith. What keeps them from doing that is obedience to the call by the boat to do the work of the boat and perhaps for personal reasons.

It does not take talent or gifts to work for the boat. It only takes effort.

Matthew 11:28 English Standard Version (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.