05/16/2022
Jesus got into the boat with Simon Peter and told him to pull away from the shore a short distance, then he taught the crowd that had gathered on the shore about the Word of God, but when He had finished teaching this lesson He told Simon to pull into the deep water, and there He not only taught Simon a greater lesson about faith, by miraculously filling two boats with fish, but convinced these men to follow Him. The question we need to ask ourselves this morning is this… are we standing on the shore listening to Jesus teach us about what we are already familiar with, or are we prepared to pull away into deeper water and learn a lesson of faith that will not only amaze us, but frighten us as well?
“And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.””
Luke 5:4 ESV
We thank Jesus for the shallow water lessons in our life because they increase our understanding of God, and Himself, but when He asks us to pull away from shore into the deep water, and put down our nets with the promise of a catch that we were unable to make on our own, are we ready to obey Him?
“And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.”
Luke 5:5-6 ESV
When Jesus asks us to sail into deep water with Him it is always for a purpose, and when He tells us to drop our nets, we can be certain that what we are about to catch will exceed our wildest imaginations. If we have faith, and if we are obedient, something wonderful will happen, and though our nets might be strained to breaking, they will not fail us.
“And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.”
Luke 5:6 ESV
Simon Peter caught so many fish that they not only filled two boats, but filled them so completely that both boats were about to sink. Sometimes, when we are doing God’s will the result will be so amazing that it will overwhelm us, and in some cases frighten us. Peter’s boats were on the verge of sinking under the load of what Jesus had provided. Peter was expecting nothing because that is what they had caught earlier that day, but he obeyed to faithfully satisfy Jesus’ command, and by doing so was not only overwhelmed by the result, but became afraid that their boats might sink.
“They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.”
Luke 5:7 ESV
We are often challenged by what God calls us to do, and we can become too frightened to answer His call. Some of us might simply be afraid of water, others might fear water that is over their head, then there are those of little faith who fear failure, and finally there are those who are called, but are afraid that God’s success in them might sink the boat that they have long claimed to be theirs… and that all they have worked so hard for in this world could be lost. Do any of these things sound familiar?
“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”
Luke 5:8-11 ESV
Sometimes when we do the will of God it changes how we think, causes us to believe, or increases our faith, but occasionally it does much more… it alters the entire flow and outcome of everything in our lives. We are so overcome with the glory of God that we are willing to drop everything that once defined us, and are transformed. In this way our faith overcomes our fear.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Romans 12:1-3 ESV
Does the thought of pulling our boat out of the water, and abandoning it there scare us? Does leaving our comfortable life behind to take up another, that we are uncertain of, cause us to tremble with fear and doubt at what lies ahead? Well, that is the natural human reaction to change, and the greater the change the more overwhelming the fear can be. Answering God’s call, and doing His will can cause us to feel this way, because we know that once we obey Him, and take that first step by believing, we will be changed forever. Once we pick up our cross and head towards Calvary it is quite certain that we will find ourselves nailed to it… but if we trust in God, believe, have faith, and lean not on our own understanding, then the transformation will not only be good, but the joy and peace we will receive in it will make the water that was rushing into our old boats seem insignificant, and the suffering in our new life will pale in comparison to the joy, and provision that awaits us.
““Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.””
Psalm 91:14-16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for teaching us your Word like children as we stand upon the shore, but thank you more for taking us into the deep water where we see your power, might, and hear the strength of your voice as you call us. Help us to trust in you Lord as our nets rip but never fail, bolster our faith as you fill our boats with your bounty, and although we are taking on water, keep us confident in your love for us, and that you will always see us safely ashore. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to do your will, and changes our lives in so doing. We praise your name for every subdued fear, and for each of your promises that we find have been realized. You are merciful Father, and though we might suffer in your service you deliver us, and comfort us. The scale of your grace, and perfect goodness, tips heavily towards our redemption, salvation, and every good thing you have promised us in Christ. From our own crosses atop Calvary our spirits moan prayers to you, but these prayers of pain and suffering are heard on the throne of Heaven by your ears, and your love soon soothes us. Wash us clean of our sins with the blood of Jesus, and pronounce us worthy as we stand in judgement; worthy of your forgiveness, redemption, love, and eternal life with you. See the fear we overcame to serve you, and the doubt we have put behind us as we answered your call. Let the labor we offered you have been for your glory alone, and let every net you filled with blessings been given in love as we provide for those who need your mercy. Let the face of Christ be ours, and your face shine upon us forevermore.
Rich Forbes