The Explanation – Let me show you why
The Explanation – Let me show you why
Luke 5:4-7 & 10 - MSG
5 1-7 Once when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets. He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd.4 When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.”5-7 Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch.)
11 Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him.}
Summary:
Simon spent his night fishing and did not catch anything. Jesus approach Simon with a crowd watching. Simon was instructed to go back into the water and cast his net. God said I know you just came from there but I’m going to send you back because I have something to show you.
Verse. 3.
He climbed into the boat that Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd
This verse jumped into my spirit. Jesus went right to Simon's boat and told him to push back into the water. Simon was instructed to lead Jesus right back to the place where his doubt started. This is a heart posture within itself. Lead God to the place where the pain, fear, and confusion originated. Show him exactly where it hurts. Verse three continues with Jesus using the boat as a pulpit. The pulpit is used for the teaching and the declaration of the word. Healing happens and souls are saved from the words of the pulpit. God is going to use you as a vessel to share his word. You are a vessel through which souls will be saved. This will not be by your works but by the works of the Lord.
Jesus is about to show Simon why he experienced the fishless night. He said let me show you why I needed that doubt to brew a little bit. Let me show you why I had you go through what you went through. Let me show you why I need you and why you need me.
The presence of God was required
Simon was a skilled fisherman. He could tell by the tide of the waves if fishing was ideal. Simon knew by the season what he was most likely to catch. The night that he went fishing he did not catch any fish. Imagine the defeat that he could have felt. Perhaps the lack that he experienced reflected his ability to execute his gift. We’ve been in Simon's shoes before.
“God I’ve been teaching for a while and now the kids don’t like my class”
“God you blessed our union but we have reached a struggle point”
“God I have my degree but now I can't find a job”
Our plea to God shifts when our prayers are answered. We don’t pray the same once he answers.
We often grow too comfortable with our abilities. In the natural we are adults. In the kingdom, we are children of God. How dare we think that we are the sole providers. When we rely on our abilities we create our own alter.
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
Simon had to lay down his ability and trust God! If this is for you, lay down your trust in your ability and trust God.
Reference scripture
Pslam 23: Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil for your rod and staff comfort me
2. The multitude needed to bare witness - Its not just about you!
We are true examples of God’s word. While God will bless us in private sometimes, he will us to publicly exemplify his glory. God could have allowed Simon's overflow to take place the night before. However, God allowed time to pass while Simon tried his way. He had Simon at a point of doubt that fish were even nearby. The crowd watched as God sent Simon back into the deep to catch more fish than his boat could handle.
The expectation, the standard, and the power of Jesus.
There was an expectation of miracles that just took place because of Simon being used as an example.
The standard of those walking Jesus has been shifted.
The power of God showed us that even in our moment or season of a doubt God will still provide.
ITS NOT JUST ABOUT YOU!
Someone needs to see God change your situation. Someone needs to see God provide in your dry places. Someone’s faith is dependent on the parable God is using you for. We have grown accustomed to grinding and being corrected in private and showing a public result. To be used by God is to be seen at your weakest, lowest, and most vulnerable times in our lives. This is the experience that sources our faith and the faith of others. We must let people see the open wound that heals and leaves a survivor’s scar.
3. Overflow may cause you to return to your broken place
After Simon spent time fishing the night before he was instructed to go back.