God is everything
Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.... Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:3-8, 11
From the text, the Lord Jesus Christ was pressed by the crowd who were following Him to listen to His preaching. He stepped into a boat owned by Simon and asked him to push the boat out into the water. From there, he taught the crowd. The focus of Luke recounting this event did not highlight the message of Jesus to the crowd but the miracle that Simon experienced. Jesus told Peter to put out into the lake and spread his nets for a catch of fish. Peter was sure this would be futile because he had just tried everything. He was an experienced fisherman and here was Jesus, the son of carpenter, commanding him to set out once again in deep waters. Simon knew what should be done and they had not caught anything all night long. But despite his lack of trust, he still gave in to God’s command. “Master … because you say so …” (v. 5). Simon’s use of the word “Master” carries more respect and authority than the word rabbi. He showed his willingness to follow Jesus’ direction. He did not argue with God. Then, he experienced a miracle when they saw the nets were filled beyond their capacity. Then he fell on his knees. He realized his sinfulness and the lack of trust. He told Jesus, “Go away from me, Lord” (v. 8). Simon could find no limitation to the power of Jesus. He exchanged his doubts about Jesus for doubts about himself. His reaction at first is unexpected, but then it becomes understandable. Knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior should prompt us to follow and trust Him. Our obedience should be manifested by our actions reflecting a life where God becomes our everything. “As soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus” (v. 11). What is your source of security; your work, your achievements? What describes your “everything?”
Blessings
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
