Trust and Obey
Today’s Verse:
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. ~Luke 5:5
Poor Peter! He and his colleagues had fished all night and caught nothing. It was one of those rare fruitless nights. Fishermen made their living on the catch of the night. Seaside villages and surrounding communities depended upon the catch of the night for food and sustenance. So, when Jesus approached him and told him to launch out into the deep and to let down his nets for a draught, Peter was not completely favorable to the idea. This morning, we want to see how the Word of the Lord is to be obeyed and trusted completely if we want to see God’s blessing upon our lives.
We see a sovereign presence.
Peter responded, “Master.” The word for “master” meant Rabbi or teacher. It was a term of respect for a teacher of a deliberate assembly. It also was the word used for “Lord”, or one who had oversight and demanded the submission of those under Him. It was the “Master” who had just been teaching. It was the “Master” who had requested Peter to allow Him to use his ship as a platform for teaching. It was the Lord who made the command to let down the nets for a drought in deep water. The Lord’s presence must be acknowledged, accepted and answered. Regardless of how we feel or what our circumstances are like, His presence never changes!
We see a stubborn performance.
Peter was tired and sleep deprived. He started to complain by saying, “we have toiled all the night.” It was like Jesus was not aware of this fact! Then he said, “and have taken nothing.” Peter wanted the Lord to know in no uncertain terms that he just got back in from a fruitless night of fishing. It was like, “what are you talking about? We didn’t catch anything last night: what makes you think we will catch something now?” However, instead of an outright refusal, he gives a partially obedient answer. “Nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net.” Jesus requested Peter let down all the nets. Peter said he would let down one net. How many of us are like Peter when the Lord commands us to do something but instead we are half-hearted in our response at best?
We see a surprised perception.
As soon as Peter let down the one net, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes. It was such a great catch they had to beckon for help and the weight of the catch almost sank both ships! Peter fell down on his knees and confessed his lack of faith and disobedience. He realized he had a bad attitude. He realized he overlooked a great faith opportunity. He realized he forfeited an even greater blessing by his disobedience. Can you remember a time when, like Peter, God could have done more for you if only you obeyed completely?
We see a surrendered participation.
Jesus did not rebuke Peter. The incredible performance of the Lord was the message Peter needed to have to penetrate his heart. The Lord gives him a beckon to let go of his fears and be a fisher of men. Peter does something that should inspire us. He forsook all and followed Him. He let go of everything and everyone that he used to cling to. Once he saw the power of God at work in his life, he knew that he could trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there is no other way; to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Let go and just obey!
Have an obedient God morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joel 1-3