Word@Work Luke64 - Luke 5:4-8
Published: Mon, 03/22/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
WORKING WITH POWERFUL WORDS
Luke 5:4-8 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 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." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signalled to 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (NIV)
Simon has just hosted the preacher, Jesus, who had used his boat as a pulpit to address the crowds. The Master selected Simon's boat because, although he did not know it, he was chosen to be a disciple. The word 'disciple' does not mean 'follower' as many think; but 'learner', and true learning is always practical. It is not enough for disciples to be present or to hear (like many who sit in church!); it is essential that they learn what they have heard by putting the teaching into practice.
That was the next phase of Simon's spiritual education. Fish often go deep in the heat of the day; even the previous night had been a fishing disaster as none were caught. Simon was the expert, and Jesus was from the unrelated trade of carpentry. Nevertheless, Simon was willing to accept instruction from Jesus despite protesting that it would be useless to fish that day. He had learned that Jesus' words were packed with authority. He had enough faith to put the nets out; a real sign that he had learned something about Jesus.
When a huge shoal of fish swam into the nets, a number of things happened. The fishing gear was at breaking point so James and John were signalled to come over in their boat to help. As so many fish came aboard, both boats became overloaded to the point of almost being submerged. Then Simon Peter realised something: he had admired Jesus, listened to Jesus and gone along with what Jesus wanted him to do ... but he did not believe Jesus. He had no idea that any fish would be caught, let alone two boats-full. But that episode taught the fisherman (and his brother Andrew, and friends James and John) that Jesus had knowledge, authority and power. To believe in Jesus was to enter a whole new wonderful world.
Many of our friends, and even ourselves. may respect Jesus, and even do a few of the things He asks of us. But do we believe that Jesus will fulfil whatever He has said, especially if it is humanly impossible? 'Believing in Jesus' is a whole-person commitment to receive God's Word and do it, even if logic and experience try to shout down the Lord's voice. As we read the Bible, we find challenges that are bigger than our human resources: the question is, when we obey the Lord, will He act in power? Real disciples will say, "Yes"! Converts or even church-goers fall way short of the mark if they refuse to become disciples. And don't forget that because discipleship is a learning business, all that is required is the willingness to learn to trust Jesus, and to demonstrate it in practical obedience.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for Your words of power; and for helping me to learn to start believing in You. Help me, especially at work, to believe that You are not only interested in me, but also my fellow believers, non-believers and the welfare of the workplace itself. May I learn to trust You more, and to encourage all at work who want to live for Christ to do the same. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Simon has just hosted the preacher, Jesus, who had used his boat as a pulpit to address the crowds. The Master selected Simon's boat because, although he did not know it, he was chosen to be a disciple. The word 'disciple' does not mean 'follower' as many think; but 'learner', and true learning is always practical. It is not enough for disciples to be present or to hear (like many who sit in church!); it is essential that they learn what they have heard by putting the teaching into practice.
That was the next phase of Simon's spiritual education. Fish often go deep in the heat of the day; even the previous night had been a fishing disaster as none were caught. Simon was the expert, and Jesus was from the unrelated trade of carpentry. Nevertheless, Simon was willing to accept instruction from Jesus despite protesting that it would be useless to fish that day. He had learned that Jesus' words were packed with authority. He had enough faith to put the nets out; a real sign that he had learned something about Jesus.
When a huge shoal of fish swam into the nets, a number of things happened. The fishing gear was at breaking point so James and John were signalled to come over in their boat to help. As so many fish came aboard, both boats became overloaded to the point of almost being submerged. Then Simon Peter realised something: he had admired Jesus, listened to Jesus and gone along with what Jesus wanted him to do ... but he did not believe Jesus. He had no idea that any fish would be caught, let alone two boats-full. But that episode taught the fisherman (and his brother Andrew, and friends James and John) that Jesus had knowledge, authority and power. To believe in Jesus was to enter a whole new wonderful world.
Many of our friends, and even ourselves. may respect Jesus, and even do a few of the things He asks of us. But do we believe that Jesus will fulfil whatever He has said, especially if it is humanly impossible? 'Believing in Jesus' is a whole-person commitment to receive God's Word and do it, even if logic and experience try to shout down the Lord's voice. As we read the Bible, we find challenges that are bigger than our human resources: the question is, when we obey the Lord, will He act in power? Real disciples will say, "Yes"! Converts or even church-goers fall way short of the mark if they refuse to become disciples. And don't forget that because discipleship is a learning business, all that is required is the willingness to learn to trust Jesus, and to demonstrate it in practical obedience.
Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for Your words of power; and for helping me to learn to start believing in You. Help me, especially at work, to believe that You are not only interested in me, but also my fellow believers, non-believers and the welfare of the workplace itself. May I learn to trust You more, and to encourage all at work who want to live for Christ to do the same. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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