Calvary Pointers Morning Showers 29 July 2023 Devotional by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi - Trusting God To Fill Our Empty Nets
Trusting God To Fill Our Empty Nets
Luke 5:1-6 KJV - And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 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. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
Encountering Jesus changes everything. Peter suddenly realized his sinfulness after Jesus miraculously filled his empty fishing nets.
Peter and Andrew were brothers, business partners, and seasoned fishermen. Taking advantage of the night time, best time to fish. They would fish through the night, and take their catch to the market each morning.
Despite their years of expertise, experience and skill, each toss of the net was a new act of faith. With huge expectations of having a big catch.
It was a frustrated night for Peter. He had just encountered an uncommon fruitless night of fishing when Jesus showed up. After climbing into his boat, he said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” (Luke 5:4, KJV).
Peter knew the best fishing time was at night when the fish came to the shallow waters. By now it was the heat of the day, and the fish had moved to deeper, cooler waters, beyond the reach of the nets.
You can hear the mixture of doubt and resolve to trust in his response. “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5, ESV).
Have you been toiling with nothing to show for it? Perhaps, things has been so overwhelming. You seem confused and destabilize? Jesus is telling you, let down your nets!
Moments after Peter's nets splashed into the water, they pulled tight, and the boat began to sink. This was the biggest catch Peter had ever caught! The Creator of all things had simply rearranged all the fish in the lake and directed them into Peter’s nets.
In this moment of miraculous provision, Peter didn’t jump for joy because his financial pressures were relieved. Instead, he fell down at Jesus’ knees and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). In the presence of such an obvious display of divine power, Peter realized his sinful lack of faith.
We often associate our success at work with our ability to fill our own nets. When our hope is placed solely on ourselves, empty nets will inevitably tempt us to despair. Despite his expertise in fishing, Peter obeyed the Lord’s command and cast his nets out into the deep. It was this small measure of faith that reaped a great reward.
When we resolve to obey, even when it doesn’t make sense, we honor God and learn that our trust is well-placed. Peter’s act of obedience resulted in a fuller understanding of his sinfulness in light of God’s power and holiness.
When we learn to trust the Savior who always provides, the ‘net result’ is a heart that trusts him more the next time we reel in empty nets.
Follow instructions, obey God's voice and let down your nets for a big draught and you will have nets breaking miracles. You are the next, HALLELUJAH!
MORNING SHOWERS Today, 29 July 2023 was written by Reverend Ajisafe Opeyemi; is the founder and Senior Pastor of Calvary Pointers Covenant Church situated at Block C, Road A, Unity Estate, Gbaga Bus Stop, by Ijede Rd, Ikorodu Lagos,Nigeria.