Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Fish Outside Your Comfort Zone
Jesus and Saint Peter, Gospel of Matthew 4.18-20 Français : Jésus et Saint Pierre, Évangile selon Matthieu 4.18-20 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Everybody likes progress, and seeing that things are moving along like they should can really make your day. Today’s verse reminds me of how much we depend upon feedback and gratification to keep us from being frustrated. It sheds light on the crossroads where our occupations become our yardstick for how we see the work we do for the Lord.
We Work Hard for the Money
In John Chapter 5 the people were following Jesus. Jesus saw 2 boats left at the water’s edge by Simon and other fishermen who worked hard fishing the night before. Jesus, got into Simon Peter’s boat, cast off a little ways from shore and started to preach.
We can assume Jesus took His time speaking to the people. All the while the disciples listened and waited, even though they had worked the night before. Then Jesus turned to Peter and said: “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch (v.4).” This request challenged Peter, who fished hard the night before and caught nothing. Jesus challenged Peter’s assumption that there were no fish. Peter thought the way most of us think when things don’t work out despite our best and most strenuous efforts; which is to say: If it didn’t happen for us when we tried out best, then it won’t (or can’t) happen at all.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Jesus had taught the people, and now it was the disciples’ turn to learn a lesson. Basically, Jesus was telling Peter to step outside of his own experience and assumptions. Peter didn’t waste any time in letting Jesus know that they had fished hard to no avail the night before. Then, Peter did something smart: He simply obeyed Jesus. That’s when the miracle happened. Verses 6 & 7 tell us:
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
They caught so many fish that the boats began to sink. Jesus not only made the catch of the day bountiful, He exceeded their wildest expectations. Talk about showers of blessings! The disciples were so wildly blessed, Peter was embarrassed and repented that he challenged Jesus’ order. He fell on his face saying: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man (v.8)!”
Peter not only got plenty of fish [to sell and eat]; He received the instructions by which we remember him today. Jesus told him: “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Peter had graduated from being a mere fisherman to being a “fisher of men.” Big difference!
Obedience Brings Blessings Beyond Our Imagination
Today’s scriptures teach us that it is profitable to obey the will of God. When Jesus tells you to do something, He’s not banking on what you think might happen, because He knows what’s going to happen. Doubting God is a sin that requires repentance. Doubting God causes you to lose your blessings and your legacy.
Is Jesus telling you to do something today? Is He challenging you to go back and try something you have failed to carry out in the past? Are you saying “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything?” If this is you, repent now. Listen to the voice of God and follow His instructions. Blessings will be yours in abundance, because obeying God is better than sacrifice.
May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
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