Subscription Lists

In Luke Chapter 5, we read of a crowd gathering to hear the Word of God. They are not there for healing, or personal blessings. This is something I have looked for and longed for over the years. They have come to meet with Jesus Christ and listen to the Word of God, and Jesus is almost being pushed into the water. There is an available boat which Jesus decides to use as a pulpit. Peter is so willing to put his possessions at Christ’s disposal and they push out a little from the Galilean shoreline.

It is good to offer to Jesus whatever He may require. Use it, Lord Jesus, as you wish with no strings attached and no conditions.

When Jesus finishes speaking and teaching, He tells those with Him to launch out into deeper water and fish! The response is so very natural. We have been fishing all night and we haven’t caught anything. We have been most unsuccessful.

It almost appears to be an unreasonable request. By every human calculation, it looked useless and worthless, a complete waste of time. Sometimes our best efforts can appear so futile and fruitless, and then Jesus comes along and changes the situation suddenly and dramatically. Consider the wasted hours and energy until we allow Jesus to have His way.

Peter goes on, “Master, we are tired and weary. We have had enough for to-night. Results have been nil, but because You say so, we will let down the nets and give it another go!” How did he say that? What was the tone of his voice?

Try again. Be open for a surprise. Forget past failures. If Jesus tells me to do something then I am going to do it. This is a miracle. Here is a man who did not know a lot about fishing, as far as Peter was aware, telling an experienced fisherman how and where to fish, and the fisherman does what is suggested. Peter demonstrates unquestioning obedience.

The consequence is an amazing catch of fish and the nets are so full they have to call for help. They need the co-operation of their partners. They could not cope on their own. Miracles and blessings, whatever they might be, can be accompanied by a whole new set of problems. God wants people working together.

They had been quietly washing their nets and probably mending them, tying up the loose ends. We read that in verse 5. Life has so many questions. The facts have a disconcerting way of confounding our careful theories, and throwing out our calculations and plans.

Just when we think we have a formula, something unpredictable turns up and makes out shipshape logic appear absurd. Life can be so fair and lovely and sublime, but it is also true that there can arise an element which is cruel and bitter.

Jesus says, My yoke is easy and my burden is light, and yet to be a true faithful committed disciple in the world can be hard and challenging. Jesus, as a carpenter, may have made the smoothest yokes in Nazareth, but it is still a yoke, and he tells us to put our head in the yoke. To do that we have to bow low.

There is this inescapable tension, as we discover opposing aspects of our calling in Christ. You cannot card index life. You cannot get all the mysteries tied up into a neat little never failing formula. Most of us hate loose ends. We like to have everything tidy, and we discover that to be a vain quest.

Following Jesus Christ at times can be like walking along a zigzag path.

Jesus can use the most disappointed dispirited unlikely people, who are open to His word, His voice and His command.

When Simon Peter sees the catch of fish he fell before Jesus and said, “Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!” What a prayer! Are you glad that sometimes Jesus overlooks our prayers? It was an impetuous request. Billy Graham’s dear wife, Ruth, often said that if God had answered all her prayers, the way she would have wished them to be answered at that time, she would have married the wrong man!

The catch of fish is amazing, and those involved on this occasion are astonished, shocked and stunned. The results and consequences of obedience can surprise and even disturb.

Jesus told Simon Peter not to be afraid. From now on you will fish for men and catch men, and catch means “to take alive”.

They left everything and followed Him and entered a period of three years teaching, training and discipling, in preparation for leadership.

Jesus Christ calls and trains and then commissions. The commissioning normally comes after being called and following a time of training.

Verse 11 is their vision. They have to re-arrange their priorities. New realms of service involve deeper commitment, but it began by lending a boat.

What is Jesus asking of you today and what will be the consequences of your response in three or four years time?

"Word from Scotland" from Sandy Shaw

Experience and Understand the Significance of Pentecost