4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5 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."
Jesus had been speaking to the crowds from the “platform” of Simon Peter’s boat. When He had come to the end of His speaking, He gave the command to Peter to put the nets out into the deep, yet again, for a catch. Peter and his comrades had already worked hard all night long and had come up with a big fat zero! Being a seasoned fisherman, Peter protested believing the action to be just a lesson in futility. According to Peter’s thought process there was no way they were going to catch anything! But Jesus had a different agenda. He often does and more often than not, it includes putting out the “nets into the deep”. Has He ever steered you toward deep waters – both chartered and unchartered? Perhaps, as in Peter’s case, His desire is for you, a catch! I really love Peter’s personality! He is so passionate and impetuous. He blurts out promises that he doesn’t keep:35 But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. Matt 26:35 (NIV)
He speaks when he has no idea what to say: 5 Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Mark 9:5-6 (NIV)
He rebukes Jesus to His face: 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Matt 16:22 (NIV)
Oh I can relate to Peter alright! Yet for all his flaws, he has moments of being a shining star! This is one such moment! He states his case before our Lord but then adds: “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Because you say so – Oh, if we were all so obedient! Here’s the rub – we always think we know what is best for our lives when in reality, we really don’t have a clue! What we perceive being quite possibly the worst thing for us, could, in fact, be the best! I determined a long time ago to quite fighting God against the best for my life! I was tired of “kicking against the goads” so to speak! Whether we realize it or not, being in the center of God’s will is exactly where we want to be – “His good and pleasing and perfect will.” Evidently Simon had learned the lesson that perhaps Jesus had something better in store than met the eye. He often does. Nothing happens to His children by chance or happenstance or even on a whim. Everything that He allows has purpose. Everything He allows is used to conform us to His image. As His children, we must learn to embrace with joy what He allows knowing that it is for our best. God often tests us for us to see where our loyalties lie. Are we willing to be obedient despite what the world thinks? Are we willing to be obedient despite what our family and closest friends think? The tests are for us. God already knows our hearts. Our actions never take Him by surprise. We are told in Scripture: 9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chron 28:9 (NIV)
Fellow sojourners, obedience is key to the abundant life Jesus has called us to! "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."