HALF-HEARTED OBEDIENCE!

LET DOWN YOUR “NETS” NOT “NET”

HALF-HEARTED OBEDIENCE

“... When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

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God, through Jesus, his Word, gave the WEARY fishermen a command: “... “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4 KJV). “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into [the human]… heart … the things which God hath prepared for [those who depend upon “HIS” WORD]....” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…he (god, the holy spirit) doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “ ... All things came into being (existence) through [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (John 1:3 NASB).   “…I am the Lord (god, the holy spirit) [and the]… God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

THEREFORE, “…Trust in (depend upon) the Lord (the word of god) with all thine heart … In all thy ways acknowledge him (God, the Holy Spirit), and he (God, the Holy Spirit) shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD (the Word of God) will accomplish (through the WORKS of the POWERFUL Holy Spirit)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

 “… my word (god, the holy spirit’s word) … that goeth forth out of my mouth (God’s mouth): it shall not return unto me (God) void, but it shall accomplish that which I  (GOD) please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I (GOD) sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…he (god, the holy spirit) doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

” ...Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

Under normal circumstances large groups of fish stay together in what is call “shoals” or “schooling” and they usually are swimming within the shoals in the same direction. Most “shoals” or “schools” of fish are the same species, around the same size and appearance, are kinfolk, and are mostly healthy.

It is not abnormal for these “shoals” or schools” to be as LARGE as an acre of land and appear as a thick MASS in the water.

Simon was a fisherman by trade or craft. He may have been considered a professional, in this business, with appropriate knowledge, skills, and expertise in the art of catching fish.

This particular day, after working for hours, and using ALL the knowledge, skills, and expertise he had, Simon had caught NOTHING. Along comes Jesus, the WORD. “... He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch“......” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

 “...Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

“...Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

There are things, in our lives, we have STRUGGLED or TOILED with, SO LONG, we have become knowledgeable, skilled, and expert at working it or working on it. Yet, over - however many days, weeks, months, or years - we have NOT “seen” or “experienced” the SUCCESS we imagined or desired. “...“Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

When all our knowledge, skills, and expertise comes up against the WORD of God we may answer, initially, like Peter did. “...“Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

When it comes to the WORD of GOD, it is important to listen and it is important HOW you hear.  “..So pay attention to HOW you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them...” (Luke 8:18 NLT). “... Take heed therefore HOW ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have...” (Luke 8:18 KJV).

Jesus, the Word, told Simon Peter to let down his NETS and not just A NET. “... He (Jesus, the Word) said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” ...Simon answered and said to Him  ....at Your word I will let down the net...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

God told the EXPERT fishermen to let down his NETS, but he decided to let down “the NET.” Simon Peter and  his crew were tired and discouraged. They had fished all night. They had been fishing for hours. They had not caught ANYTHING. All their skills and knowledge had BOUGHT them nothing. Yet Jesus, the WORD, tells them to “...let down their NETS...” one more time. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “.. pay attention to how you hear....” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

Was Simon Peter truly obedient or did he half-heartedly follow God’s Word. Jesus (the WORD) said NETS, which is plural and Simon Peter’s rely was NET, which is singular. Read the initial part of Simon Peter’s reply: “...“Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). Now read the second part of his reply:  “...Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

Simon Peter called Jesus (the Word) “master,” which, in that day, was not as distinctive as calling him “rabbi” or “teacher” and implied he had a “general” respect for him, but not the proper respect for his character or his authoritative power.  “…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).  “…he does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).  AND “…he... [does as he].... pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…[I AM]…Persuaded ... what he (God)…promised (through his WORD)….he [is]…able to perform….” (Roman  4:21 KJV).

Simon Peter was NOT a disciple yet and he did NOT “know” or “totally accept” or “understand” God’s POWER through Jesus, the WORD.  “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). “… We … [are able to] … understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [Word], that what we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN …” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law (WORD), nor can it do so…” (Romans 8:7 NIV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The MORE you LEARN about God, the Holy Spirit, or WITNESS his GLORY (presence, goodness, powerful works, etc.), the MORE he is REVEALED to YOU. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...pay attention to HOW you hear....” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

 Simon Peter’s reply: “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). They CAUGHT a LARGE shoal or school of fish, but the ONE NET couldn’t HOLD the fish. “…The things which are impossible with men (like the fishermen) are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “… is there any thing too hard for. [God, the Holy Spirit]?...” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).

“…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “…The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “…the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

However, “… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).  “... Thou (God, the Holy Spirit) madest him (Jesus, the Word) to have dominion over the works of …[his]...hands; [God, the Holy Spirit]... hast put all things under his feet ... [including]... the fish of the sea...” (Psalms 8:6-8 KJV).

Jesus, the Word of God, has authority over the fish of the sea and at his command they were directed to come to the place where Simon Peter and his fishermen let down their NET.  “... ([Jesus HAD].... dominion over the works of ...[god’s]... hands  ... [which included]... the fish of the sea...” (Psalms 8:6-8 KJV). “...they caught a great number of fish.  ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

Simon Peter knew about Jesus, but he DIDN’T truly know Jesus, the WORD. God used the miracle of the fish to DRAW him into a covenant relationship with him. Simon Peter saw, first hand, the presence, goodness, and POWER of God, the Holy Spirit.  “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV). “…[Jesus]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM ....we (Simon Peter and others) are witnesses of all things which he did …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

When Jesus, the Word, is speaking it is IMPORTANT to listen and PAY ATTENTION to what is HEARD. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “... pay attention to how you hear....” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

Paying attention to what is HEARD gives God’s people the opportunity to cooperate, properly, with the Word and DO what it says so they are FOLLOWING his instructions. To OBEY is to hear God’s Word, pay attention to what is says, and cooperate with it by following his instructions WITHOUT any modification of it. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

Did Simon Peter “hear” God’s Word?  Did Simon Peter pay attention to God’s Word? “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God ... they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).

Did Simon Peter discern God’s Word? Did Simon Peter cooperate with God’s Word by following his instructions? What happened to THE NET? “...they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

God said “NETS.”  Simon Peter used A NET and it ALMOST broke, but God’s GRACE and MERCY kept the BLESSING of the fish anyway!

Following God’s WORD has the BEST outcome when OBEDIENCE is done without an attitude of little respect, or the need for human explanations and excuses, or the temptation to compromise. “...“Master (little respect), we have toiled (explanation/excuse) all night and caught nothing...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net (compromise).” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

Simon Peter and his fishermen were tired from their LABORS. God’s people get tired from their LABORS too. “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

Even through God’s people KNOW God does NOT change his mind about the promises he makes to them, they allow themselves to be discouraged about the situations and circumstances of life. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

God does, however, continue to promise, his people, they will be compensated and rewarded for their service to him. “…in the PROCESS of time “IT” [WILL]…CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).  “...ALL THINGS (LABORIOUS service) work together for GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

Sometimes it gets HARD to HOLD ON to the promises of God’s Word.  Yet, “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).

Serving God is beneficial because it EMPOWERS his people, through the indwelling Spirit, to grow and develop spiritually. “… GROW (develop) in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV). “…Be conformed to the image of his Son...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).  ^“…[Grow and develop spiritually] …until [you] …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV). “… [Therefore]… [you] … are changed (developed) into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

Serving God provides opportunities for transforming, his people, into the image of Jesus Christ. “… [change]… into the SAME IMAGE …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “… [TRANSFORM into the]…image of HIS SON...” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “… [TRANSFORM into the]…fullness of CHRIST…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

Serving God guarantees the HELP of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God, the Holy Spirit HELPS his people, through it ALL when they trust and depend upon him. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “…The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe…” (Proverbs 18:10 NASB). “…God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble…” (Psalms 46:1 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (physically); never will I forsake you (emotionally)…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

The Christian journey is often DIFFICULT, QUESTIONABLE, and CHALLENGING.  God’s people GET TIRED. Living HOLY in an UNHOLY world is exhausting at times. However, it is IMPORTANT to continue to listen to God’s Word and PAY ATTENTION to what is HEARD. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “... pay attention to how you hear....” (Luke 8:18 NLT).

DON’T GIVE UP! KEEP AT ATTENTION. To OBEY is to hear God’s Word, pay attention to what is says, and cooperate with it by following his instructions - WITHOUT any modification of it. “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

THE PROMISE IS COMING!!!

BE PREPARED. Fortunately, Simon Peter had HELP when the BLESSING came and he only had A NET, but the bridesmaids DID NOT have help. It was too late for them. “...they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them!...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “...  And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV). “… [God] is able TO DO exceeding abundantly ABOVE all that we ask or think…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).  

“...When the bridegroom was delayed...[the bridesmaids]...became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps...” (Matthew 25:1-3 NLT).

“.... keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return...” (Matthew 25:1-3 NLT). “... The day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief...” (2 Peter 3:10 KJV).

 “...For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God...” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV).

“...When the bridegroom was delayed ...[the bridesmaids] ... became drowsy and fell asleep ...the five foolish ...[bridesmaids, however,]... asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those (bridesmaids) who were ready went in ...you ...must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return...” (Matthew 25:1-3 NLT).

DON’T COMPROMISE WHAT GOD IS SAYING OR HAS SAID. “...I will let down the net.” ...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

“...I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds...” (Revelation 22:12 KJV). “...let down your nets for a catch...” (Luke 5:4-8 KJV).

 “…And in the PROCESS of TIME “IT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV). “…For the vision [is] yet FOR AN APPOINTED TIME, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, WAIT FOR IT; because IT WILL SURELY COME, it will not tarry….” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).