Into The Deep

“So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So 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. 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 which they had taken; and so also where James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”

So when they had brought their boats to land they forsook all and followed Him.” Luke 5:1-11

“Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely.” Oswald Chambers

Peter, a professional fisherman had been conditioned to think that he knew the best time to fish – he was a professional after all.  Jesus’ order was contrary to all he had experienced in his fishing career – it didn’t make sense to him. Nonetheless, Peter obeyed Jesus’ word and did as He requested, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” As a result, to Peter’s surprise, he caught the most amount of fish in his career at one given time.

Jesus had the authority to orchestrate the school of fish to come near the boat at a time of the day when they normally would not be there.  All Peter needed to do was to obey and then take the requested action.

Jesus orchestrates ALL things, not just schools of fish.  Are you worried that you are not doing well economically? Jesus can orchestrate your economy, not only to meet your needs but also to exceed them and fill your nets according to His plan for you life. Are you worried about your health? Jesus, at His will, can orchestrate your physical and spiritual well being according to His plan for your life. Are you worried about your relationships?  There is nothing impossible for Him – He commands everything!  

This was not about Peter throwing the net over so he could have a good fishing day, it was about Peter obeying Jesus and trusting Jesus and learning who He was.

The same is true for us, it is not about our wealth, our health or our relationships, although they matter to God, first and foremost -  it is about us knowing who He truly is and following Him – even when it does not make sense! When Peter and his companions brought their boats to land they forsook all and followed Him!

This was not going to be the last time that Peter and Jesus' disciples were going to be amazed of who Jesus was. At His will and in His timing, with your obedience, you too will continue to be amazed and see Him for who He truly is just like Peter and many others have. 

Has Jesus called you to "launch out into the deep" with complete trust and obedience to Him? Don't be afraid, God is doing much more than just filling you "nets", He is calling you towards a higher purpose!

“Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 

FATHER, Help us to trust you to the point that we will obey you. Help us to not rely on our own understanding but rather in ALL our ways acknowledge You. Help us to "launch out into the deep" because we have studied your Word and know the voice of our Lord through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to obey and trust your Word, even when it is easier to play it safe and stay tied to the shore. In Jesus' Name - Amen