LUKE 5:1-11 AT THY WORD The public ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ often involved both speaking and doing. The explanations of Bible truth and messages from God are not limited to particular times or places. As the Lord was standing by the edge of the water, there were those who wanted to hear Him speak of things in the word of God that they could understand and would relate to themselves. His spoken word created such interest in the listeners that others would draw near to hear what was being said. Whenever we speak of things that pertain to the spiritual life and needs of people, we will often find one of the best ways to create and maintain interest is to use our surroundings to illustrate biblical truth. This method was to be used by the Israelites in the Old Testament as they taught their children. They were to pass on their faith to the next generation when they were sitting in the house, walking in the way, going to bed at night or getting up in the morning. When they were doing business, making plans or involved in family matters, the Word of God was to be there to guide and instruct them. It is well for us to remember and carry on the same practice as those ancient people and as the Lord did in His time on earth.
Pressures of people against Him did not stop His discourse, it just changed the venue. From the boat a short distance from land He continued to present the truth of God in relevant terms. His first command to Peter was "thrust out from land," He needed that little space of separation from the people to be better heard by them and to speak to them rather than hold a dialogue with them. The space between those who speak and those who listen is an important part of public ministry. One standing in the middle of a crowd, will be just one of the crowd, and others will speak too. A small distance between the speaker and hearers makes the demographics of a situation change to one who takes the place of authority and others take the place of learners. It is not always necessary to make that difference but often in the on-going conversation it is time to take a casual conversation and make it into a formal one to get some major points across to those who need to learn.
Then the whole scene changed when the Lord told Simon to "Launch out into the deep." The time of day and the place was not only unusual, but would have been considered foolish and a waste of time by experienced fishermen. When there is real faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will find ourselves doing unusual things at unusual times and in unusual places. Even though Peter verbalized his doubts, he did not refuse to do what he was told, because he had placed his faith in the Person who gave the order. The Lord wasn't using His power to pay rent for the use of the boat as a preaching place - He was giving them another lesson in the authority He had as Creator, and the power of His word. There was not a suggestion of a "maybe" in the Lord's directive. When he made that statement, the event was as good as done. It is never right to hold back from doing what God's Word says. There are reasons for everything He instructs us to do even if we might not understand it all at the time.
Simon Peter's acknowledgement of doubt was the words of an honest man who knew he could not hide anything from the Lord. His confession of sin is an instruction to us to not allow time to pass before we face up to our own guilt, and without excuse, come immediately to the Lord in faith in Him to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The call of God was no longer up for discussion or explanation. Decision time had come at the word of the Lord. In compassion knowing the fear and uncertainty of a major life-changing event, the Lord kindly and firmly told them what He expected and what would be the result of their obedience. Those times that arise in our lives in which we know God intends us to change directions, can be fearful, and if we trust in our feelings, uncertain. But when we are willing to act in faith at the command of the Lord, even though there is a measure of fear at launching out, there is joy in knowing we are doing what God wants and has instructed us to do now. To put off divine directives is a form of unbelief. "The sin which doth so easily beset us" can stop our fruitfulness and spiritual growth very quickly. When we know a thing is right and has divine sanction behind it, we should not linger, but act in glad and positive response.
There is a time when the wisest course is to rest awhile and wait. To push ahead in fleshly energy will find a tightly closed gate. When that is the situation, the best thing is to wait, to watch and to pray. Then we will learn of God and His will when we are willing right here to stay.
Then comes the time when His word is plain, "Launch out, and move ahead." It is then without hesitation we can go forward knowing we are led. Not always will we be positive just where the road will end. The only thing that is important then is it was the Lord who us did send.
When we are involved in the work of the Lord, we have His word to guide. He is the One True Vine, and as branches, we in Him do abide. In order to be at the right place and be doing for Him the right thing, When He calls us to follow His command, rich fruit to Him we can bring.
The call of the Lord to thrust out a little way is a kind of preparation For a larger work that is yet to come which requires our full dedication. In order that there be no question in our minds we listen for a specific word. "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets," is a definite command of the Lord.
Words of truth from the Bible each day gives a basis for faith to work. A definite scripture applied in the right way guides us when all else is dark. And act of confidence in the word of the Lord opens the way for Him to work through us. Obedience to Him and action without delay is the reason a work to us He will trust.
"Father, today we are going to another place with another work to do. May Thy servants be kept safely on the road there and may this weekend of teaching, fellowship and Gospel preaching be guided by the Holy Spirit in ways that will glorify Thee. Give to Thy servant wisdom to speak the truth in love with grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."