LUKE 5:3. “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.”
HEAR THE WORD OF GOD. “Let down your nets,” [v.4] it seems so plain and simple; And yet to those who toiled and came up empty; the words seem hard to take. But the key is “who”, He that makes the devils tremble; He sent us out to fish for men, so out we go again and preach for Jesus’ sake.
“Fear not… thou shalt catch men,” [v.10] it gives to life a meaning That goes so far beyond what we would think is normal according to most men. That word though, comes from Him who gives to us our being; He allows us here to seek for men, and share the joy and glory then with Him.
“I will: be thou clean,” [v.13] and changes come that affect us then and now. The despair that sin and death’s dark sorrow, combine to impose upon the life and soul; Is lifted when He speaks His will, and with the touch of hand upon the one so bowed, The weight is gone, relief has come, the filthiness of sin’s deep stain removed – made whole.
“Thy sins are forgiven,” [v.20] its paralyzing power that kept one bound; Sins tentacles are reaching and overpowering, finally leaving the victim lost, undone. There in the place of hopelessness, the glimmering light of faith is found; And words from Him alone who has the right, forgiveness real comes from God alone.
“Follow Me,” [v.27] and leaving his place of business moves a man to act; His steps now move with measured pace behind the Savior of the world who came To bring to light a way of life far better, and more satisfying than the past. Levi now knows David’s greater Son has come, the Messiah, Jesus is His name.
“I came … to call the sinners,” [v.31] the ones who need Him most; He does not avoid, but joins the meal of those, who men with highest prejudice, Despise, look down upon with eyes of disdain upon the lost. But He who looks upon the heart, speaks His truth, and with action shows His grace.
“Divine Source of every truth, my God: the teaching from His lips of gracious words, have reached all the way to this distant island. There is evidence that the things He said on that ancient lake, have left their mark on people here. Forgiveness, soul- winning and commitment are old yet ever new. I teach them in Thy name, Amen.”