The Expert!

When the fishing is not good, perhaps that's a good time to do something else such as cleanup and repair the gear. This keeps a fisherman prepared for when the fish are biting. Today, fishermen using a "fish finder" are not likely to stay fishing where the fish are not. They will either move to another area or quit for the day. Though being with other fishermen and being out in nature may be pleasurable in and of themselves, is not the ultimate desire to catch fish?

At the time Jesus began to call specific disciples to follow Him, due to the pressing in of a large crowd listening to His teaching, Jesus got into Simon Peter's boat and taught from there. After the lesson the following exchange took place between the Lord and Peter.

We read. . .
"(4) And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' (5) And Simon answered, 'Master, we TOILED ALL NIGHT and TOOK NOTHING! BUT AT YOUR WORD I WILL LET DOWN THE NETS.'" ( Luke 5:4-5 ESV)

Peter knew fishing. It had been the livelihood he had been sharing with his brother Andrew along with their partners James and John ( Luke 5:10) for probably quite some time. Perhaps these four would have been considered expert fishermen. However, there was a Real Expert in their midst. Peter did not allow his own perception on this occasion to cause him to refuse to do what Jesus told him. He didn't say, "We tried all night and it is no use. Let's just go back to shore." Neither did Peter respond, "What do you know about fishing? Stick to your ministry." I love the expression of Peter in saying, "BUT AT YOUR WORD I will let down the nets."

Reading on we find there was an amazing catch made that day; one so large it filled both boats almost to the point of sinking them. ( Luke 5:6-7) However, this was transition time for these fishermen as they would leave that occupation and follow the Expert on all of life -- being the Creator and Sustainer of it ( Colossians 1:15-17) -- to become fishers of men. ( Luke 5:10) And even in the face of the stormy seas of opposition, they would WILLINGLY accept and begin their mission with a catch numbering "about 3000 souls." ( Acts 2:41)

We may sometimes wonder about our own efforts. However, we too must remember the mission of the Lord in seeking and saving the lost. In spite of our own perception of our efforts, let us WILLINGLY KEEP FISHING because that is WHAT THE LORD HAS ASKED of us. Doing what He has asked is what will ultimately prove fruitful. Therefore, like Peter, let us ACCEPT HIS WORD AND DO SO. We too may be amazed at when and where the catch is profitable to His glory and praise.

Have a great day TRUSTING HIS WILL TO WORK!
Carl

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