03/08/17 - Luke 5

March 8, 2017 – Luke 5

Simon answered, "We've worked hard all night, but because you say so, I will let down the nets." Luke 5:5

We have tried our own ways, maybe it's time to obey Jesus' ways.

Considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, crab fishing involves long hours at rough seas, dealing with high-risk weather conditions and 24-hour work shifts.  Worse, all that work & risk can lead to no money if crabs aren’t found. But a good catch can earn thousands in short time.  That’s what makes fishing careers attractive in spite of conditions and risks.

So when Jesus tells Simon Peter to drop his nets into a warm lake at the wrong time of day, of course Peter would push back.  Not only that, but they had already been working all night and needed some sleep, with the hopes of making a better catch the next day.  Fishermen in that day were hard workers, known for their strong work ethic (as well as their strong smell! L) 

But then Simon Peter said something dramatically surprising.  Instead of dismissing Jesus and His instruction, Peter responded “because you say so, I’ll do it”.  Peter was willing to obey Jesus in spite of his doubts.  Instead of trusting his own instincts or ways, Peter chose to try our Jesus’ ways.  And what do you know… it worked!!!  Peter pulled in a catch that required multiple boats and more help.  They went from a paltry night of fishing to the catch of the century!  All because Peter was willing to try Jesus’ ways instead of sticking with his own.

So many times, we too work hard at our own ways and just need to obey Jesus:

-          Instead of spending years angry about a hurt or violation, forgive and turn it over to God.

-          Instead of defending our rights, walk the extra mile and be free of feeling violated.

-          Instead of measuring marriage by your happiness, make marriage about knowing & growing.

-          Instead of drowning sorrows in alcohol or drugs, let worship be your pain remover.

-          Stop working so hard to make this life successful, and invest in your eternal success.

Maybe we could learn from Peter’s example.  Maybe the challenges we face are related to a lack of obedience, creating more work than we need.  Maybe our extra effort is really a sign that Jesus has a better way.  Who knows, we may be a simple change away from seeing great results!  Or it’s just a matter of waiting on the timing of Jesus to see a better catch.

Whatever the case, don’t be a crab fisherman that spends days working hard on the boat and not seeing a catch.  Choose instead to try Jesus’ ways and see what the catch can be.