It's all about timing... (His)

(Luke 5:1-11)

Jesus tells Peter to put out into the deep water and lower your nets for a catch. Jesus’ command had a specific purpose: He wanted to teach Peter a lesson in trusting Him. Peter was a fisherman and knew the Sea of Galilee like the back of his hand. He had been born there and spent days and nights lowering the nest ever since he was a boy. Peter knew from a human point of view, it wasn’t the best time or place to cast the nets. They had already tried all night and used all their skill, yet caught nothing. By saying “We have been working all night and have caught nothing,” Peter gives Christ a valid human reason not to cast his nets, not to obey his order. To human logic it made sense not to repeat something that hadn’t worked. But Peter also says “But in your name, I will pay out the nets,” making it clear to Jesus that he, a professional fisherman, would never have fished there at that time of day, but that his trust in Jesus was greater than the confidence that came from his experience and practice. In that he is saying that he trusted Christ more than he trusted himself.

They lower the nets and we all know they are instantly filled with fish, so many they need the help of another boat. Everyone is amazed and they throw themselves at Christ’s feet acknowledging their Master’s greatness and their own nothingness. Jesus then lifts up Peter and says “Do not be afraid. From now on it is men you will catch.” With the words of before “put out into the deep,” Jesus is telling Peter there are still new experiences to be had, that he doesn’t know it all, there are powers of knowledge outside of this world, regions of mystery he has yet to explore. When we are to put out into the deep we are to enter into the mystery of God, by faith. This “to put out into the deep,” to believe more strongly, to hope more lovingly, to love more passionately. It invites us to take the path and cast our nets in His name, knowing that He will fill them with an abundant catch! Even if we have tried that spot before at that very time of day : )