Let Down Your Nets

So there they were... those pesky disciples. They had been fishing all day - in the heat, on a boat, no wind...NO fish.

Jesus, wanting to cash in on the acoustic advantage of the water and the surrounding cliffs, asks to go out on the water a ways and preach. You know they were tired and sun-worn. But I would imagine, although irritated, once Jesus’ soothing voice and words of wisdom started echoing out in that inlet, their cares would have just drifted away. To be in the presence of the Word...as a fantastic song reminds us, I can only imagine.

Anyway... we don’t know what Jesus’ preaching was on at that moment. But just like my Awesome, Always-right Savior, it’s not always what He says, it’s what He does. He looks at His boys and tells them to head back out on the water and go fishing. Read the first paragraph again.

And I suppose, because they had learned their lesson before, Simon says, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:4.) Oh my gosh I just love this. I love the hint of “you’re a pain in my dusty sandals” under-the-breath comment while submitting to the Master. This is such a teenage response! I’m only laughing at Simon because I can soooooo relate. And what did Jesus say? Nothing. Ab-so-lutely nothin’! Jesus is such a wise teacher, but you have to think that He’s giggling about their attitude...knowing what’s about to happen.

And do they catch the fish? (My Lord is going to make his point here loud and clear.) He’s simply implying, ‘If you follow my instructions and listen to what I say... you will catch the fish.’ There were so many fish in their nets, they had to call in reinforcements just to bring it in. I’m laughing! C’mon...say it with me...I love my Lord!

After Simon, Simon Peter, and the boys picked their jaws up off of the deck (their pride was left back in the deep sea), they turned to Jesus and pulled a classic Wayne’s World “we’re not worthy!” reaction. “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell on his knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (Luke 5: 6). I’m with you boys. I feel your pain.

So where are you in this story? Are you the disciple? The witness on the beach? Maybe you’re the fish.

Today I’m Simon Peter; I’m doubting what God is telling me to do. I’m listening to the instructions, somewhat following the rules. But my faith doesn’t feel in the right place. I’ve fished all day and have caught nothing. I’ve thanked God for my beautiful family, my great job, wonderful friends, etc.; but I’m still looking for the big catch...and it just ain’t comin’.

Answers to prayers are sometimes slow in the delivery but there’s a reason! With this story, I can almost start to understand that perhaps Jesus just needs my attention. He’s reminding me that ‘of course your feeling tired and like you have an empty boat. Darling...You’ve been fishing ALONE! Your methods haven’t worked because you didn’t use my timing. And you certainly weren’t using my nets!’

We have to submit. We have to listen to the guidance that Spirit is giving us. And even though we’re exhausted - we have to put back out to sea. The lessons Jesus is teaching us now is what will make a difference for eternity. We have to struggle and learn and even fail and succeed. But the big catch is there. Just put your trust in Jesus. Rename the boat and turn it back out with the tide. When trouble comes along, don’t solve it yourself...give it to Jesus.

Is that the end of the story? Of course not. Never is...

Jesus, after receiving the thanks and admittances from the fellas simply says, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” (Luke 5: 10). And you know what? They never fished for a living again but there certainly are a lot of Christians in this world, thanks in large part to my boys from the boat.

This is the point, really. Jesus has selected a few of His children to help Him bring in the haul. It’s not our job to struggle and learn just for the sake of learning. It’s our job to go through all of this so that we have a story to tell. I’ve tried for years to lose weight and the minute someone skinny tells me how to do it; honestly, I want to force-feed butter down their scrawny necks. But I digress...  Do you honestly think that a sinner wants to hear from someone that has gotten it right since day one that Jesus can help them? I’m not encouraging you to pick up drinking so that you can break the habit. I’m simply saying that the challenges you have faced and are going to encounter are the bait!

And when He’s ready - when we’ve learned enough - the catch will come in. It might be one significant fish you’ve been after for a while, one fish that convinces all of his friends to join him, or a catch so large, well -  You’re going to need a bigger boat! The rewards will be worth it so much that you’ll throw yourself at His feet and declare your unworthiness. What a party it’s going to be!

How do we get started? Reflect on your own experiences. Imagine what your testimony might be. Practice telling the wind how Jesus made things better for you; how He answered your prayers. You have a story to tell. Remember - the best bait is usually the freshest. Spirit will give you the opportunity to talk to someone who needs to hear - you just need to be ready to tell your story. Don’t shake your head at me. You do have a story to tell!

And the next time Jesus tells you to go fishing, let down your nets, let down your guard, let down your hair... and get your big boat out there.