If you saw Finding Nemo, you might say being caught in a net is not a good thing. On the other hand, while caught up in the interNET, you’ve stopped to read this article, to research information or take care of business, which is probably a good thing. You’ll never really know if a NET is good or bad until the cords start to close in.

Jesus often taught people about the kingdom of God by using everyday objects in metaphors. One such object was a fishing net: “Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea. It gathered all kinds of fish. When it was full, they pulled it to the shore. Then they sat down, gathered the good fish into containers, and threw the bad ones away. The same thing will happen at the end of time. The angels will go out and separate the evil people from people who have God’s approval. Then the angels will throw the evil people into a blazing furnace. They will cry and be in extreme pain there.” (Matthew 13:47-50, God’s Word Translation)

Now, I would be remiss if I were to stop reading after the fish were caught in the net. We’d like to think that everyone ‘makes it’ into the kingdom in the end, but they won’t. Truth is, Jesus taught that the net is the place where we are finally gathered before being separated. You may have noticed the words above: ‘people who have God’s approval.’ Other bible translations say ‘the righteous.’ An important question is “How do you get God’s approval when you’re just one of the many caught in the net?” Some say you’ve got to be a good person: don’t hurt anyone, follow the rules, or go to church. All of those are fine examples of what God wants us to do, but none of them will earn us His approval. Break just one of God’s laws -any one-and you’re guilty. Have you ever told a lie? What does that make you? - A liar! Ever taken something that wasn’t yours? What are you, then? A thief? Ever looked lustfully at someone? Jesus said if you even look at someone with lust in your heart, you’ve committed adultery. If god were to judge you on this basis – would you be a ‘good fish’ or ‘bad fish’? if you think God would save you because he is merciful, then he would be an arbitrary judge and not just-like one who would release a known rapist or murderer simply because the judge is merciful and just; on the contrary, because God is just, he must carry out justice against those caught in the NET. The Good News is that someone you never met came and paid the price for your crime – that’s Jesus! As a result of what he’s done, you are a good fish, not because of anything yo9u’ve done. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

It may not make sense, especially in a culture where self-determination rules, but in the end, where you are placed is a gift from God with Faith (trust) as the means by which you get there. What you get is GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!

So, what do you think? Is the NET a good thing or a bad thing? Wherever you stand, consider the gift that is yours by faith, and enjoy being ‘Caught in the NET.’