Because You Say So

Luke 5:5

New International Version

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.”

For Encouragement

Life can be difficult. Sometimes we do our best on a project but don’t get the results we want. We get disappointed and fatigued, which makes us irritable, frustrated, and inattentive. In times like that, we are usually uninterested in critical evaluation and suggestions.

However, sometimes God steps into our routines and interrupts them to teach us and guide our lives in a new direction. Because He is omniscient, He knows us, and because He is omnipotent, He can change our impossible situations. Jesus knows our disappointments and anxieties and cares for us, so he draws near to teach and bring us into discipleship and a trusting relationship.

That is the story of Jesus and Peter on the shores of Lake Gennesaret on that morning after a fruitless fishing trip (Luke 5:1-7).

Jesus interrupted Peter’s routine of mending his net and, after using his boat to teach the crowd, asked Peter to launch into the deep for a catch. The interruption may have been irritating, and the command, ridiculous. Jesus’ words seemed nonsensical. No serious fishing happens during the day, with the fish far out at sea.

Sometimes we ask God for help but struggle to trust His answers. Peter struggled for a moment but yielded to the Lord’s command. He knew Jesus from two previous meetings (Jn. 1:40-42; Lk. 4:38) but not enough to change his life’s course. This meeting, however, would become life-changing.

We haven’t been in God’s presence until something gives way in us. Meeting Jesus, spending time with Him, and witnessing His power does not necessarily transform our lives. We need a personal encounter with Jesus in His holiness to change our mindsets and attitudes and bring personal transformation. This kind of knowledge and intimacy comes through committed study of His word, prayer, and a surrendered life, for the word of God has the authority to transform our lives.

Simon answered, “Because you say so, I will let down the nets” (5).

That was the response Jesus expected. The result was extraordinary! It was out of this world, and Peter prostrated in response (6-9).

“Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (8).

No one sees God’s glory and stays the same. His beauty reveals our faults and ugliness, and His perfection reveals our sinfulness (cf. Isa. 6:5). Jesus designed this meeting and miracle to draw Peter and his business partners into the net of discipleship, as one commentator puts it.

They left everything and followed Jesus to fish for people instead of fish (Lk. 5:11). That’s true discipleship—it begins when we leave everything to follow Jesus, as Peter and the others did. 

So, are you a true disciple? Will you leave everything such as: unforgiveness, the divorce process, illicit sex, family disputes, bad friendships, drugs, and alcohol in response to God’s command?

It is time to deepen our walk with Jesus for greater spiritual growth. The encouragement is to move past the shallow waters of faith and step into the deep  things of God in Christ. May we hear His encouraging voice to “Push further into the deep for a catch.”

Pray with Me

Lord, I need your strength to obey your command to leave the shallow waters of Christianity and enter your glorious presence for a life-changing experience with Him. In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com