February 21, 2016: Let Down the Nets!

Luke 5:1-11

What a story! Peter and the others had been fishing all night and hadn’t caught one fish. They were discouraged. A hot meal and a comfortable bed would suit each of them fine. But Jesus tells them to go out into the deep water one more time and let down their nets. Without hesitation, they do it. Peter says, “We really don’t see the point, Jesus, but if you say so, down go the nets!” That’s obedience.

Next came the blessing. Having done what Jesus asked, they received what Jesus promised. They caught so many fish that their boats began to sink. And Peter drops to his knees before Jesus. Here is a picture of worship. Confronted by the power of the Master, Simon sees his own inadequacy. He realizes he is not worthy to be in the presence of the Son of God. But the grace of Jesus reaches out, pulls an obedient Peter to his feet, and commissions him to go forth and “catch men.”

This story is our story. Jesus calls us to “put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (v. 4). There are people around us whom God wants on board his boat—the Church. He commands us to seek them out, to be “fishers of men.” If we obey, God will bless our efforts. We, too, will be awed by the results. So, go forth and “let down the nets.”

Prayer: Jesus, I know someone who needs you. Give me the courage to obey you and go fishing. Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Anthony Vis, a retired pastor in the RCA. This Lenten series comes from Words of Hope, whose mission is to build the church in the hard places through media. To learn more about the organization or subscribe to Words of Hope’s daily devotions, visit www.woh.org.