If You Say So
After Jesus had taught from Simon Peters’ boat, (Luke 5) He told him to cast his fishing nets out where it is deeper. Peter responded they had already fished all night, “But if You say so” (v5). They went out and put their nets in deep water. The catch was so large, the nets began to break. Peter had to get other fishermen and their boat to help. Both boats are now full. This miraculous catch caused all those observing to be in awe. Two of these awestruck men were the brothers, James, and John. Going ashore, they all left everything to follow Jesus.
WHAT IF? (For the sake of making a point).
What if Peter had declined to do what Jesus said, “It’s ok, I’m a professional fisherman, I got this” and went about his business? Ignoring the Master’s instruction. What did he miss? (What did the others miss?)
WHAT IF?
Peter delayed his obedience? Delayed it an hour or two? “I’ll get to it; I’ve got something I need to do first.” Perhaps by then James and John (in the other boat) would have been out of ear shot or too far away to help and the nets would have broken. The fish, the great catch, slipped away back into the deep. Perhaps their delay missed the school of fish that now travels in another direction. A divine encounter missed. A missed opportunity.
WHAT IF?
Peter didn’t go all the way out into deeper water, stopping short, dropping the nets in shallower water. Yes, he had let down the nets, but NOT in the deep water. Reluctant to fully obey—devaluing Jesus’ words (thinking he knew better). Full obedience expresses value to what is said, and to whom said it. Partial obedience is disobedience. (OUCH!)
There is a strong principle for us: OUR obedience to Jesus does not just load up our boats of blessing—it causes opportunity for others to be blessed and in awe. Awe of Him. Our listening and doing what Jesus says (now) can lead others (and ourselves) in divine appointment. Our obedience is not for us alone.
May we not decline, delay or devalue what Jesus says.
“But if You say so” (My Lord, I will…)
Point to Ponder.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Inspired Fountain 