The Great Haul

As the crowd was pressing in on Jesus to hear God's word, He was standing by Lake Gennesaret. He saw two boats at the edge of the lake; the fisherman had left them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then He sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat.

When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and put down your nets for a catch."

"Master, "Simon replied, "we've worked all night and caught nothing! But at Your word, I'll let down my nets."

When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help; they came and filled both boats so full they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord! For he and all those with him were amazed at the catch if fish they took, and so were James and John, Zebedee's sons, who were Simon's partners.

"Don't be afraid,"Jesus told Simon. "From now on you will be catching people!" Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him. Luke 5:1-11

Previously we saw Jesus enter Simon's house and raise up his mother-in-law, who was ill. We are presuming there is an existing relationship but Simon had to be hauled in, just like he would a fish.

We don not know what Jesus taught, but it would have laid the foundation for Simon's faith, no doubt. Jesus was establishing His relationship with Simon as divine.

By trusting Jesus and putting out His boat, although he was probably tired, having worked all night and the nets were already clean. I know that when I am tired and have washed up after a great meal, I am reluctant to go again, unless inspired to do so. Simon was inspired and let down his faith first before he let down his nets.

Simon's exclamation shows that he finally 'got it'. This man Jesus was divine. Why did catching fish do this for him? Jesus had made it personal, He showed Simon that he was interested in all he did, even his business, because Simon had trusted him.

Now that Simon had been blessed abundantly Jesus told him he would now catch men. Simon was ready to follow.

The fact that Simon, James and John were happy to leave the huge catch, the best they had ever made, and follow Jesus showed that they had really understood that what Jesus had to offer was far greater than merely catching fish.

Today is the Lord's day and I am looking forward to church where I expect Jesus to be revealed to me in a greater degree. Today my church is following a 'Rise and Build' programme, one I have previously experienced in MyC3 at Oxford Falls in Sydney. I am excited to be a part of this as I am stretching out my faith and seeing God move. I want more than what the world offers. How about you?