(Luke 5:4) . . . “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Have you ever felt there was more to your existence than what you’ve been experiencing? Our life can kind of feel small at times and we wonder if God has a larger plan in store. We know we only go around once and we don’t want to miss anything the Lord would have for us. Are you ready for some change? Do you want to bust out of the routine and everyday-ness of your life? Then get ready to LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP.
LITTLE: Simon Peter the fisherman had the privilege of Jesus using his boat to preach from. The crowds were pressing in too closely and the Master needed some space to convey His message. He chose a boat nearby that happened to be Simon’s and asked for Simon to put Him out a little from the shore. That’s kind of like us. We go from being on “standby”, to the Lord working a “little” in our lives. (Luke 16:10) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much . . . (Job 8:7) Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly . . . (1 Pet 5:6) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
LAUNCH: Now Peter was ready to experience the Lord in a more courageous way. Jesus told him to launch out into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. Peter had a little hesitancy at first, but this was quickly overcome by his faith in Jesus. After we experience the “little” the Lord has for us, He will launch us out into deeper experiences of faith. Any initial tentativeness is absorbed by taking that first step of faith. (2 Cor 5:7) For we walk by faith, not by sight . . . (Hab 2:4) . . . the just shall live by his faith. I hope that you’re ready for the next thing God has for you. I know it can be a little scary but if you don’t GO then you won’t GROW.
LUNCH: Peter learned quickly that you just can’t out-give the Lord. Jesus returned the favor of the use of the boat by blessing him with so many fish that his net began to break. The man was overwhelmed and felt so unworthy. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (v. 8) Jesus then called him to be one of His disciples and said to him, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” (v. 10b) You see, this was just the beginning for Peter. He would have other experiences with Jesus in the future, launching out even deeper in his faith and experience. And what about us? As we launch out by faith in life we will be blessed, too! (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him . . . He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Jesus promised us abundant, not redundant, life. If your faith is yawning, then expect a new dawning of God working in your life. Take a step of faith as the Lord leads and LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP. Then be ready for a boat-full of blessings!
Louie