Let Down Your Net One More Time

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,
|“Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.”
(Luke 5:4 NIV)

Peter was tired. The night spent fishing had resulted in nothing but a wet net. So, when the young rabbi approached and asked if He could use Peter’s boat, Peter was willing to do just that. Pushing a boat a little way out into the sea so the rabbi could more easily teach the crowds wasn’t a big deal.

But when the rabbi told Peter to put to sea and let down his nets again, Peter’s willingness evaporated. First, everyone knew, except apparently this rabbi, that you don’t catch fish during the day. Second, Peter and his crew had already been fishing for hours and had caught nothing but bits of seaweed. And, third, Peter had already cleaned the nets to prepare them for the next night. Yet something made Peter obey, and we all know the end to the story. Peter got the biggest catch (and fright) of his life and ended up face down in a bunch of smelly fish declaring Jesus Christ as Lord.

Sometimes we reach a point where we just feel too spent to let down our nets again. Despite all efforts, the marriage problems continue with no sign of a breakthrough; the wayward kid is once more standing on your last nerve; the job search is fruitless since no one seems to want to hire an older person or a young, inexperienced one; or the illness that has sapped your spirit and exhausted your body has returned. You are left feeling hopeless and too tired to keep going.

As hard as it may be to do, obey the young Rabbi. Let your net down one more time. This could be the day you get the catch that will change your life.