Their nets were already washed after a night of unsuccessful fishing. Probably ready to head home and get some shut-eye, this man named Jesus crashed their plans. “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch,” he told Simon. Simon’s response does little to disguise his doubt (and probably frustration!), “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Can’t you just sense his frustration? Let’s size up the situation. First, by trade he was a fisherman and Jesus was not. Second, he had fished all night and not caught a thing. (Which is enough to frustrate any fisherman) Third, he had taken the time and cleaned the nets, the same nets Jesus now wanted him to get dirty again… which would mean he would have to clean them again. Finally, he was heading to the bed! He had fished all night and now it was time to sleep! Despite all of the above, he was obedient and his obedience was rewarded. They caught so many fish he had to call his friends out to help him. Their nets were breaking and their boats were sinking from the weight of the catch!
I wonder if we at times are like Simon? We believe we have it figured out. We know who is ready to be saved… and more importantly who is NOT ready to be saved. We have worked on them and prayed for them and there is not a single thing in their life that gives any indication they are ready to become a believer. Look Jesus, you just stick to the whole “Messiah” thing you have going on and let me handle getting them to a point where they are ready to be saved. And Jesus says, “put out into the deep, and let your nets down for a catch.”
Beloved, as we strive to win the lost we must allow God to guide us. And may I make a suggestion? Leave your fishing pole at home and bring the nets.
For His Glory,
David
Can’t you just sense his frustration? Let’s size up the situation. First, by trade he was a fisherman and Jesus was not. Second, he had fished all night and not caught a thing. (Which is enough to frustrate any fisherman) Third, he had taken the time and cleaned the nets, the same nets Jesus now wanted him to get dirty again… which would mean he would have to clean them again. Finally, he was heading to the bed! He had fished all night and now it was time to sleep! Despite all of the above, he was obedient and his obedience was rewarded. They caught so many fish he had to call his friends out to help him. Their nets were breaking and their boats were sinking from the weight of the catch!
I wonder if we at times are like Simon? We believe we have it figured out. We know who is ready to be saved… and more importantly who is NOT ready to be saved. We have worked on them and prayed for them and there is not a single thing in their life that gives any indication they are ready to become a believer. Look Jesus, you just stick to the whole “Messiah” thing you have going on and let me handle getting them to a point where they are ready to be saved. And Jesus says, “put out into the deep, and let your nets down for a catch.”
Beloved, as we strive to win the lost we must allow God to guide us. And may I make a suggestion? Leave your fishing pole at home and bring the nets.
For His Glory,
David
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