LUKE 5:1-11
For more than ten years, a missionary has worked with youths. He frequently hangs out with them late into the night, listening to them, offering them advice, and instructing them. While he enjoys talking with them, he finds it quite difficult when some of them decide they no longer want to hear about Jesus. On some days, he feels like Simon Peter in Luke chapter 5.
Despite working hard all night, Simon had little luck catching any fish. He was worn out and disheartened. However, Simon replied, “nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net,” when Jesus instructed him to cast his nets into deep water in order to make a catch (verse 5).
It was surprising how much Simon trusted Jesus, whom he had only recently met. He was an expert fisherman and knew that when the sun rose, fish moved to the lake’s bottom. Using nets to catch them was therefore futile.
His willingness to put his faith in Jesus despite the fact that it was foolish was rewarded. Simon not only caught a lot of fish, but he also learned a lot more about Jesus. He switched from addressing Jesus as “Master” (verse 5) to “Lord” (verse 8). In fact, when we listen to God in this way, we frequently see more of Him at work, which helps us learn to know Him better.
Perhaps God is urging us to let down our nets again today and to put our faith in Him regarding someone or something. We should respond like Simon did: “nevertheless at thy word (we) will let down the net.”
🙏🏼Lord, help us to trust You to guide us through the hard times and bring us closer to You.
