Saturday, January 11, 2003
Saturday, January 11, 2003
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water
and let down your nets for a catch."
Did you know that many of us need that same word from Christ? Do you know the biggest
barrier to success for most people? It is the fear of launching out. It is the fear of change. It is
our
reluctance to take action.
We are not happy with our lives, we are dissatisfied with our work, we are discouraged and
disillusioned. We feel that life is passing us by and what do we do about it? Nothing! Experts
tell
us that the majority of people in our land have a built-in resistance to change. We are afraid to
rock the boat. Afraid to start that new business we've been dreaming about for years. Afraid to
follow that dream of returning to school. Afraid to build that dream house. Afraid to take that
trip
around the world. Afraid to say, "I love you." And Christ steps into our lives and says, "Don't be
afraid. I am with you. Launch out into the deep. Put down your nets." That's what the disciples
did and you know what happened. They brought in so many fish they nearly sank their boats. It
would not have happened if they had not exercised their faith.
(Luke 5.4
NRSV)
The fishermen in Luke's Gospel had toiled all night and had caught nothing. They were weary
of
mind and body. Then Jesus stepped into the scene. Notice what Jesus told them to do. He told
them to launch out into the deep. He told them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat.
WHAT HE WAS REALLY TELLING THEM TO DO WAS TO EXERCISE THEIR FAITH. Faith in
him, faith in their own abilities as fishermen, faith in the abundance of the seas. It was Peter
who
spoke up: "Lord we've toiled all night and have caught nothing, but at your word, we will do it."
Jesus restored their faith, and that was precisely what they needed at that particular moment in
their lives.
Dear God, help me to exercise my faith today. Amen.
