But If You Say So

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. [Luke 5.4-7]

Peter, James, and John, the owners of the two boats, were not "Christ followers" at the time Jesus preached from one of their boats just off the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. They had just been fishing all night long to no avail - their efforts had been without result - they had caught no fish - their trade was not paying off - their investment was costing them (damaged nets) instead of bringing them gain.

And yet, in the face of these looming negative factors, Jesus told them to fish again.

Peter explained their fish-less toil and said, "But if You say so..." at which point he lowered the nets once again...

I think the thing that speaks to me this morning is that Jesus is still fresh off a time of fasting in the wilderness. Peter, James, and John were not. Jesus had been visiting with the Father - Peter, James, and John had been fishing.

There is no question that all the demonstrated power in this incident was purely Jesus'. We have no record that Jesus demanded the fishermen go off and pray and fast. We have no record that Jesus reviewed the men for their personal piety.

What???

Apparently, the only criteria for Jesus' power to work on their behalf was found in these words, "But if You say so..."

Now, I am all for 'personal holiness', but we MUST be very attentive to the fact that our personal holiness will accomplish NOTHING! The ONLY attribute we may strive for that will connect us with "the power of God" is obedience. Our personal holiness is found in obedience to the voice of Jesus - manifest today in the voice of God's Holy Spirit - not in our good works and personal piety!

It was Jesus Who fasted enough, prayed enough, and lived good enough for any power to be manifested. Simply put, I can NEVER be or do enough of these to demonstrate the power to move a marble downhill on a slanted floor - let alone move a mountain. But obedience - the obedience of faith - listening to the voice of the Spirit and obeying - connects ME with JESUS and all the power of God to boot.

Hmmm.

Father, I am indeed nothing -but Jesus is everything. I believe in Jesus. I will strive to obey.