Beyond You, There is Jesus
By Pastor Don Hinkle
Luke 5:1-11
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
I can see Peter all night toiling, exhausting his human ability with the worries of making a living, trying to make enough money to support him and his partners.
Jesus' instructions to "launch out and let down your nets" must have been beyond Peters human reasoning. he must have been thinking, “I have been casting my net; all night! If it hasn’t worked for me why would it work for you, you are not a fisherman you’re a preacher.
Jesus asked Peter to do something outside of his usual way of doing things. You can’t do the same old thing the same old way and expect a different result. Walking by faith and being obedient to the Word requires you to stretch out into things you think you can’t do and may even be afraid to do.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
Peter did not expect to catch much so he did not prepare very well, and nearly lost his blessing. Peter’s half hearted approach nearly caused him to miss out on something great. however, in spite of his reluctance he did push out into the deep. Even though he didn’t really expect it to work, he cast out his net. Just think what he could have achieved if he had approached things more seriously. With both ships, the biggest and best net he had.
Peter had his first lesson in trusting Jesus. His pride in his human ability melted away in the light of God’s grace and love. Beyond his own weakness and human devices, when all that he had tried failed, there was Jesus. In spite of his bad attitude and human shortcomings, Jesus found a way to bless him beyond his imagination.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart
from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. KJV
Beyond you, beyond your understanding, beyond your ability and imperfections there is Jesus.
Beyond you there is Jesus; trust him.
