"Because You Said So"

Luke 5:1-6 One day as Jesus was standing by the Sea of Galilee with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 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.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
 
IN John’s gospel, we learn Jesus’ first encounter with Peter began a very purposeful call on Peter’s life: John 1:42 And Andrew (Simon’s brother) brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas.” (which, when translated, is Peter). This occurred near the Jordan River. From there Jesus and the first of his followers traveled to Capernaum, site of this miracle. The Lord used Peter and his boat to demonstrate his authority over nature. Peter would come to do similar miracles to reveal Jesus in Israel.
    We often view Peter as “the disciple who betrayed Jesus.” With our hearts prone to judgement, we forget that Peter is the disciple whom the resurrected Jesus commissioned to, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21) Jesus forgave him. We should, too.
    Luke tells us in Acts that Peter was a passionate man who taught and ministered the Lord Jesus’ gospel to Israel. Peter was a real disciple who had a real relationship with his Lord that began to develop on the shore of Galilee.
    We see Peter doubted, didn’t he? He even wanted to deny Jesus’ instructions. Why wouldn’t he? After all, Peter, his brother, Andrew, and his cousins – perhaps John and James – had been fishing all night with no results. Peter knew fishing. He knew the best fishing time was done. Why obey the Rabbi’s instructions? What is the point of one more net drop?
    Do you ever think that way about Jesus? Do you hear Jesus’ instructions, some as radical as, “Forgive those who sin against you.” (from Matthew 6:12b) and “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) These and many more seem to call us far beyond our ability and understanding.
    Peter obeyed because the Spirit stirred Peter to move past his doubt and weariness into Jesus’ tender care for him.  Peter took a big step toward discipleship. He believed the Lord’s command that morning.
    Ultimately, Peter’s belief in Jesus would be deeper than the sea he fished. When you read Acts 2-4 and 10-12, you will see how the Spirit moved Peter to great apostolic work. Peter’s doubt and excuses evaporated into the faith the Spirit so generously granted him.
    Let’s, then, put aside the summary of Peter’s life with, “He betrayed Christ.” Instead, remember Jesus guided Peter into a fruitful ministry. Let’s remember and live Peter’s faithful response to Jesus, “Because you say so.”
 
Prayer: Cover my doubts, Holy Spirit, with a submissive true faith in Jesus, the Living Son of God. In his name I pray. Amen.