Pastor’s Corner: “Simple, But Not Easy”
Luke 5:4-5 (NIV) – [Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.”
Peter was a professional fisherman. He knew how to gauge weather conditions, where to cast nets for the likeliest haul, and when to end an unproductive attempt. Because of his expertise, he may have silently questioned Jesus’ instructions. There’s no reason to think that Simon Peter’s response to Jesus was sarcastic, but you have to wonder if he was thinking, Yeah, right. That carpenter-rabbi thinks He can tell a fisherman how to fish? But what did he have to lose at this point? The result of his obedience was an outrageous blessing.
What Jesus suggested wasn’t difficult or complicated, it just didn’t make any sense. Practically speaking it seemed like a waste of time. It went against Peter’s extensive experience and intuition. Jesus gave no explanation. His directions weren’t innovative or creative. Yet Simon Peter simply obeyed. Sometimes following Jesus is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
Sometimes Jesus asks us to do something that seems unreasonable. It might involve leaving a job or ministry, taking on more responsibility when life already feels overloaded, or accepting an assignment that seems better suited for someone with a different skill set. Yet, because of the One who asks, it’s the right thing to do. Scripture talks about many people who faced such a choice. Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:2). Noah was told to build an ark on dry land because a flood was coming (Gen. 6:14). Joshua was given a military strategy of marching around Jericho instead of attacking it (Josh. 6:2-5). Gideon, who was young and unsure, was told to send most of his warriors home before battle (Judg. 7:2-3).They all obeyed and then experienced God’s power. Obedience is the key that unlocks God’s promises.
Don’t let human logic dictate whether you follow the Lord. Trust in Him as Peter and these other faithful believers did. Humble obedience to what God has called us to may be as simple as making a phone call, extending an invitation, or walking across the street. Maybe it carries a greater challenge, like extending forgiveness to someone who has hurt you, or moving to a foreign mission field, or trusting Him by tithing. But when God asks us to do something that seems impractical or inconvenient — maybe especially when it does — it brings abundant reward. Notice that God will let you voice your objections. So, if that makes you feel better, He’s okay with it. Just remember that the One telling you where to fish is the one who created the fish.
How often do we miss the outrageous blessings of God and the miracles He wants to perform because we think we know better than to follow a simple but not easy request from Jesus?
COME SHARE: about a time you obeyed God even when your answer may have been “Lord, because You say so, I will…” and what happened! I want to hear from you! Email Pastor Hamilton: [email protected]
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton