1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 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. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. -Luke 5:1-11
I want to share a few things with you from this familiar passage in Luke 5 that the Holy Spirit showed me last week. I hope these things bless your heart, and encourage you like they did me.
A man with a boat (vs 1-3)
The first thing I noticed about this story was the man/men involved. They were going about their normal business day, washing their nets after having fished all night. These were fisherman by trade. They weren’t by the lakeside looking to win souls, preaching the gospel or trying to perform miracles. But Jesus used them right where they were. In the midst of their job, he spoke to them, and they were able to be used for Christ in a miraculous way, right where they were. All Jesus needs from us is to be a willing vessel. Live your life, do your normal activities, but listen for the Holy Spirit. If he tells you he needs you for something, obey! Be willing. Speak to the cashier at the check out line. Go give a gospel tract to the person sitting by themselves in the next restaurant booth. Tell your co-worker you will pray for her mother who is having health problems. Let Jesus use what you have to reach those around you. For Simon it was his boat. What can you offer Him?
Obedience, even when we’re uncertain (vs 4-7)
We won’t always understand why things happen. We may never know why God leads us to witness to certain people. But if we are led by the Holy Spirit to go somewhere or do something, just obey Him! Jesus told these fisherman to let down their nets to catch fish. Their first instinct was to doubt. They knew they had just spent all night trying to catch fish, and hadn’t been successful. The difference was, this time they had Jesus in their boat! (You ever tried to do something on your own/in your own might and been unsuccessful?) Nevertheless, these guys cast out their nets, and just like Jesus said they caught boatloads of fish. What is God calling you to do? Does it feel impossible? Sometimes we feel like we aren’t good enough, or talented enough. But if God wants you to do something, He will make a way. Just be willing.
Having a impact on others around us (vs 8-11)
Simon is the main character named in this story. He is the main fisherman Jesus interacts with, though it’s obvious there are others around. It was Simon’s boat that Jesus preached to the people still on the shore from. It was Simon who must have given the ultimate command for his crew to row the boat further out and cast the fishing nets down. And it was Simon who worshiped Jesus when the drought of fishes was brought into the boats. But notice in verse 11 who left and followed Jesus after they brought the ships to shore. THEY forsook all and followed Him! Our obedience and submission to Christ, and the way we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives has an impact on those around us. When we allow God to work through us, we have the ability to affect others. I have heard for years the old saying “you may be the only Bible somebody ever reads”. It’s true, and growing truer each day, I’m afraid. Many people in America…and even in the south where we live… haven’t heard about God’s great love for them.
Can you do more? Do you have a vessel, a talent, a gift that can be used of God for the purpose of reaching others? He will bless you if you obey. If you allow him the use of your ship, he will feed you above and beyond anything you could imagine on your own!
