Friday July 29, 2016

At Thy Word

- LUKE 5:1-11

Key Verse:

"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" (Luke 5:5).

It is said that "if you try and don't succeed try and try again". However, it seems people make their best effort at their first attempt at a task. As soon as failure becomes a chronic cycle, the law of diminishing returns sets in, subsequent efforts decrease in intensity till all hope of success is lost. Peter had gone on fishing with James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They had masterfully spread their net hoping for a good catch. They had probably laid out their plan of how to utilize the proceeds from their sale. But they were disappointed. Jesus gently advised Peter to "launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught". The result was tremendously unbelievable, as the multitude of fishes nearly broke the net. Seeing the miracle, Peter suddenly realized his insignificance in comparison to Christ's greatness and humility. He had seen Jesus perform miracles of healing and deliverance and a question was probably playing out in his mind, ‘Could Jesus care also about my personal and domestic day-to-day needs?' Overwhelmed by the miracle, Peter realized his sinfulness and acknowledged same before the Lord. The prompt obedience of Peter resulted in the astonishing miracle. And this was the gateway to the Great Commission. "Henceforth thou shalt catch men". If only we can say, like Peter ‘Master, at thy word', what a great success we would make of our soul-winning effort, if only we could go as Christ has commanded. Let us go without fear, Jesus will take care of our needs.

Thought for the day: Catch a soul today before he crosses the danger line.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 THESSALONIANS 1 - 3