Many times before I read the Bible, I ask the Holy Spirit to show me something new. You see, I’ve been in church since I was a little girl, so I’ve heard the stories of Jesus over and over again in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Church Camp, as well as in the regular church services and revival meetings, plus all of the teachings I get by radio, TV, tapes, CDs, etc. Besides all of this hearing of the Word, I’ve also read these stories many, many times. Needless to say, if I’m not seeking God to show me something, it’s easy to miss a blessing in His Word because I’m not expecting anything new in what is already familiar to me.

About a week ago, I was reading in Luke, chapter 5, where Jesus told Peter to cast out his nets for a haul of fish. The Holy Spirit, my teacher, was faithful in bringing these scriptures to life. (You can read this whole story in the first eleven verses of Luke 5.)

One morning, by the Sea of Galilee, people were pressing in around Jesus to hear the Word of God. He knew he couldn’t be very effective with all of the people crowded around, and that only those closest to him would benefit from his teaching. When he saw two ships docked, Jesus took the initiative to climb aboard the one belonging to Simon (Peter) and asked him if he would take the ship out just a little so that he could speak to all of the people. Simon obliged, and Jesus was able to teach all of the people.

When Jesus finished, he told Simon to go out into the deep waters and let down his nets for a haul. Now Peter was tired and discouraged. He had been out all night without catching anything and had just finished cleaning his nets. Nevertheless, because Jesus told him to, he reluctantly relented and agreed to let down his net. I know that Simon was reluctant because, before he agreed to obey, he complained to Jesus about what all he had just been through. Not only that, but Jesus told him to let down his nets (plural), but Simon agreed only to let down his net (one). So we can see that not only was he reluctant, but he was also full of unbelief.

Now all through the years, I had it pictured that at this point Jesus had already climbed off of the ship and sent them out into the deep waters by themselves, but that just isn’t so. Jesus went with them. The Bible says that when Simon Peter saw this miracle of catching enough fish, that two ships were overfilled, he fell down in humility at Jesus feet confessing his sin. It was then that Jesus prophesied to him and told him that from now he would catch men. Again, I had it pictured that this happened once they had docked the ships, but that isn’t so. After Jesus said this, the Bible continues, “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

What can we learn from this story? First of all, Jesus had a need and saw that Simon had what he needed and that he was available. Simon agreed to let Jesus in and take him out in the boat, even though it wasn’t convenient for him because he was tired and discouraged. 

Today, Jesus sits in heaven and needs us to help him fulfill his purpose here on earth. He looks around to see who has what he needs for a particular task and if they’re available. When he asks us to help him, whether it’s making a phone call, providing food, giving an offering, visiting the hospital, or whatever, do you say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll do it,” even if we don’t feel like it, or it is bad timing?

Second, there was a blessing in store for Simon when he was obedient to Jesus. Simon wasn’t expecting or looking for a reward, but Jesus had one for him anyway. However, this miracle blessing wasn’t just handed to Simon. Again, he obeyed Jesus’ instruction, even though it didn’t make sense and even seemed foolish. Then, he received a financial blessing of fish, more than he ever expected.

Upon seeing this enormous miracle, Simon fell to his knees in humility at Jesus’ feet. His spiritual eyes had been opened, and then he received a spiritual blessing. Jesus saw that Simon was faithful in these little things, so he promoted him, brought him closer to himself, and entrusted him with even greater things to do.

When we are obedient in serving Jesus with a pure heart and right motives, He blesses us. We may have to stretch our faith and go take what he says we can have, but nevertheless, he will bless us; he wants to bless us. On the other hand, we must remain humble in his sight and always give Him all glory and honor. Then, we too, will receive spiritual blessings and promotion. God will speak to us and draw us closer to himself, as well as entrust us with even greater things. What joy and peace!

Finally, we see that Jesus was with Simon the whole time. He gave him a job to do, but Jesus didn’t make him do it by himself. He was right there. Even when Simon had to go after his miracle, Jesus was right there leading him all of the way. It’s the same with us. Jesus doesn’t expect us to do something that he hasn’t equipped us for, or given us the ability to do. Even then, he doesn’t send us anywhere that he doesn’t go along with us. Yet, Simon had to let him in his ship.  Likewise, as God’s vessels, we have to let Jesus in to be Captain of our ship.

Vicki