It’s easy to do the things that come naturally to me. But, it’s not so 
easy to lay down my will and follow God into the areas that are hard or unnatural to my reasoning, feelings, or habitual ways of living. I am so glad that Jesus understands this, and many years ago began teaching people, like us, how to live.
It started with the calling of the disciples. They were asked to lay down their nets and follow Him. They were living life “their way” and Jesus came on the scene. He began teaching them a new way to live, and it was all about obedience. Obedience is difficult for many of us because rebellion or self-dependence is our natural way to live. I bet it wasn’t much different for the disciples. Even they, tried reasoning with the Lord. Even they, questioned his directives. But, once they questioned and Jesus answered, they listened. Their listening ears inspired obedient hearts. We could learn a little about listening and obeying.
Today’s Truth: Luke 5:4-7
The Setting: This took place at the Lake of Gennesaret. Jesus was teaching from one of the fisherman’s boats, and when he finished speaking he had the following conversation with Simon Peter. The red letters are the Words of Christ. The bold is Simon’s response.
“When he had finished speaking, he 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.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.”
Pure and simple obedience is what we are seeing here. But, it wasn’t without a questioning, was it? Meaning, that what Jesus was telling Simon to do, did not make logical sense to Simon. He had fished all night with no results, and now Jesus was telling him to let down his net in the same water. And though Simon questioned, the bottom line was that he obeyed.
I love the words, But because you say so…..
- What is it today that God is telling you to do?
- What are you doubting or questioning in your human resoning this directive?
- According the Scripture, what would happen if you would just obey, because He said to do something?
Continue with me this week, as I take a look at things Jesus clearly taught, that we often don’t listen to and often don’t obey. It is my personal goal to lay down my nets daily, journey into the places God is taking me, and receive from Him.
Do you want to experience God in this life? You can. It happens when we listen and obey.
Today’s Prayer
Father, So often I don’t understand what you are leading me to do. Your principles can seem outdated and it causes me to be tempted to think that my way is the best way. But, I bet that is how Simon felt. Yet, you told him to do something that seemed silly. It seems like it was a test. And, you showed him yourself in a Giant Measure! I want to experience you in a giant measure. I want to do things, just because you said so. I want to lay down my net…help me Jesus follow you this way.
