Apr 11 — Luke 5:1-11

SCRIPTURE: Luke 5:1-11

OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
1. “The people crowding around him and listening to the word of God” – Jesus is the word of God (John 1:1-2), and what He speaks is the word of God. It is the message from God, His communication with us. The Bible is one expression of the Word of God, but the Word of God is so much bigger, broader, it is Jesus Himself. He speaks in the creation (general revelation) and the writings (special revelation). But the most important thing is Jesus and His message, not just the book. Jesus warned the Pharisees of idolizing the book and missing its point (John 5:39-40).
2. “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” – Peter and his friends were the experts here. Did they agree to listen to Jesus because they respected his opinion on fishing, or because they were humouring Him. It doesn’t seem like they were expecting Jesus to be right about the fish.
3. “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” – This is a miracle, and Peter knows it. He is convicted, and impressed, and scared. I suspect that this will be the response of most people when they stand before God (at least the wise ones). Those who are defiant in this life will likely remain defiant to the end, and miss out on His gracious invitation.
4. “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men” – Jesus commissions Peter and the others in a way that relates to who they are. Your present abilities and calling (fishing) are a part of what you will continue to do, with a twist. Like Paul who used his tent-making skills to support himself on his mission trips. The Lord uses what we bring for His purpose. What are your abilties, and how can you use them for the King, for the kingdom?
5. “Left everything and followed him” – The key is surrender, and not half-hearted or partial surrender. We are being asked to dedicate our whole lives to loving and living for God through Jesus, to dedicating all of our ambitions, hopes and plans to Him, of dedicating all our resources and abilities for Him. Have I (have you) left everything to follow Jesus?

PRAYER:
Lord, this question continues to convict me. I realize that like Peter I am often humouring You, but not really devoted to You and Your cause. Open my eyes to see You for Who You are, and to dedicate myself fully to loving and serving You. Amen.

2 Comments

  1. Jesus was proclaiming the Word of God. It always amazes me how the people listened in great multitudes and they always heard. That Word still teaches today but I need to hear that Word -by His servants, by reading of His Word and by seeing that Word also in His creation.

    Jesus was that Word in person. He spoke and the people listened. He spoke about casting the nets, and the fishermen listened. He spoke with authority. Christ became the All in all for Peter. Christ must be my All in all as I live for Him each and every day. In Him I have a new beginning, also today. He is my heart’s desire and must colour all what I do this day. He is my calling. He transforms my daily living. Living for Jesus is what I must do. Serve God and serve man.

    All to Jesus I surrender;
    all to him I freely give;
    I will ever love and trust him,
    in his presence daily live.

    I surrender all, I surrender all,
    all to thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.

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