"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.
I
have always loved this passage. So much is said here in just those
few words spoken by Simon Peter to his Master. The fishermen, after
fishing all night, surely were discouraged. Surely they were
tired; most likely they had had enough; they had left their ship and
were cleaning their nets.
But
Jesus knowing their needs, as well as their desire, entered their
boat and after speaking to a crowd at the lake known as Gennesaret
(the Sea of Galilee) He encouraged Simon Peter with a brief
instruction.
"Launch
out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught."
I
probably shouldn't, but I absolutely love Simon Peter's response. He
informed Jesus they had already been out all night. He basically got
his two cents in ("We've been out all night!") before
responding in obedience. "...nevertheless
at thy word, I will let
down the net."
Now
to top it all off, Simon as well as the others, were astonished at
what was then their success. They had so much success in fact, that
their net began to brake. What is more, when their nets were
full they shared their success with their partners in another ship -
until their ships began to sink! Now, that's a mighty fine blessing
and I love that it was a blessing shared among "brothers" -
Andrew, James and John were the others in the boats that day.
But
what I love most about what we see in Peter's response is that we are
able to tell God what He already knows, exactly as Peter did. I love
that we even sometimes dare show a lack of faith, (and a bit of back talk) as Peter did here;
but when we are obedient, in the end...our nets are full. And no,
that doesn't mean our life will be without trial.
In
reverence, Simon Peter fell at Jesus' feet and repented of his lack
of faith. I would have had to, too; sometimes my doubt can really get
the best of me. But also, if I had been Peter, I'm sure I would have
been amazed that Jesus even showed any interest at all in my day to day trials.
Peter correctly showed deep humility and awe for One he knew was so
much greater. And in the end, Jesus called the fishermen to a more
important catch. Theirs was a call to be fishers of men.
Something
else that should be encouraging to us in this passage is that we see
God doesn't give up on us. This was the second call on these men's
lives. After the first call, which can be read in Matthew 4:18-22,
they had gone back to fishing. But now, Jesus sought them out once
again, right where they were, to bring them into His will for their
lives.
If
only we would learn to say first,
"Nevertheless, Lord; at thy word, I will..."