Because You Say So

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” Luke 5:5 (NLT)

How humbling is it to think that Simon Peter was a professional fisherman and he took advice from Jesus so easily? Peter could have easily said, “deep waters, letting down the nets again…really Jesus?” After a long day of work I’m sure emotions ran high as another day closes with a low return on investment. Not to mention, they were actually washing the nets when Jesus told them to put out into deeper water. If you’ve ever seen a fishing net, you would know it’s a lengthy job – certainly not a fun or entertaining one. Needless to say like any professional, Peter obliges and sails out (after all, his livelihood depends on it).

Stop for a moment. Think about cleaning and putting away all of your fishing gear after a long days work just to be told to set out again. If you’re anything like me, when the lights go out they stay out. The important thing to realize here is that obeying Jesus does not stop when we’re tired, frustrated, or think we know it all. Maybe it’s not a fishing net we’re cleaning when Jesus says “put out into the deep”, maybe it’s an open wound from an argument or an addiction we can’t seem to kick.  This is where the second wind kicks in. As Christ followers each of us should find a new energy in following him. Obeying God’s call should bring us great joy and the power to push through.

Now, back to the story.The key phrase I cannot get over (because of it’s practicality to us today) is when Simon Peter replies with “because you say so.” This is so important to us as Christians today. When we read our Bibles it’s important to come before God humbly and always be ready to reply with “because you say so.”  Even when we’re exhausted, even when we think we know better, even when the cards are stacked against us we must always respond willingly. What happens next is remarkable. Peter’s “because you say so” led them out to deeper waters where I’m sure things were a little less familiar. The fish were drawn to the nets so much that they began to tear and the boat began to sink (v 6-7). God wants us to go out far enough to where we can’t swim. It is only when we’re fully dependent on him to keep afloat that we’ll be aligned for what he wants to do in our lives. He wants to bless us beyond our wildest dreams to the point where we can’t help but to burst under his glory and goodness. You see, we all want to catch a blessing, and we all want our nets to break from an abundance, but how far out into the deep are we willing to go? 

There are so many lessons that can be learned from this short story in Luke 5. The most important lesson is that it is a true story! In conclusion there are a couple points I would like to restate. 

Be ready. We must always say yes to God, even if it comes out as “because you say so.” God knows more than we do and he will provide at the right time and the right place.  Be Humble. Out of anyone to question Jesus it could’ve easily been this professional fisherman known as Simon Peter. Rather he humbled himself and trusted in the creator and did not lean on his own understanding of his trade.  Be Fearless. Throw your anxiety and tiredness to the wind. Let the worries drown all around you as God keeps you afloat in the deep. When he calls, follow the direction he is asking you to go. 

Above all else, submerse yourself in the word of God daily. Never cease in your prayer life and seek first the Kingdom!