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Sunday 25 August 2002 - "Into the deep"

(Summary of sermon by Michael Ngubane)

Luke 5:1 - 11

Whenever Jesus did something, there was success and fruit. Jesus was active understanding that time was limited. He redeemed every moment. Whatsoever He did was blessed of God. He made time to pray and be alone with God. Many people fall into the trap of trusting in their Christian heritage, and they do not know God for themselves.

Many times when Jesus preached, the people came together to see the miracles He did, but it was not the case this time. They came together to hear the Word of God. They were hungry for God's Word.

The fishermen had toiled the whole night to catch fish, and yet failed to catch anything. Jesus did not start by helping them with this problem, but made clear what was the most important. He firstly preached the Word of God and having finished, He gave attention to the need of the fishermen.

When Jesus told Peter to launch out into the deep and let down their nets, he answered that they had done their best to catch fish the whole night, but had failed. Similarly, you might also trust your knowledge and experience and despise God's message or messenger. No, when Jesus speaks to you, put aside your knowledge and experience and obey Him. Your know the deceptiveness of your own heart. In the middle of Peter's answer he interrupts himself, and submits to Jesus' Word. Pray to God that He takes full control of your heart and leads your way forward.

You might be disheartened at your lack of progress in your Christian life. Sins might continually have dominion over you. Have you already obeyed God and launched out into the deep or do you still trust in your own experience and knowledge? When God speaks to you, is your reply, "I know already", but you do not obey? Your knowledge will not help you as long as you stay in the shallow water. When people criticise you, are you fixated by them, or do you look to God? Why don't you cry to God to search and try you to see if there be any wicked way in you? Remember your first love. Is it still the same? When you were on fire for God, your eyes were not on your critics, but on God. If you find yourself in a spiritual wilderness, and whatever you do is not blessed (even the work you do for God), seek God's face, humble yourself and obey Him in whatever He shows you. Zacchaeus did exactly that, and God's blessings entered his life.

When Peter saw everything that was done (and the abundance of the catch), his heart broke and he saw his own sin and deception. His true condition was revealed to him and he confessed it. Jesus, who is loving, merciful and full of compassion, comforted him and promoted him to be a fisher of  men. See the blessing that follows obedience. You wander around in circles, because of disobedience. The Lord might have a great commission for you, but He will not give it to you because of your life. When you humble yourself and get into a right standing with Him, then He can use you.

The disciples quickly learned the lesson Jesus taught them, for after this, when Jesus called them to become fishers of men, they obeyed immediately, forsook all and followed Him.

You might not be sure of your calling, or your calling dies, because you are busy with frivolous things. The disciples lived and preached their calling. They stayed true to their calling unto the end.

Just as they obeyed Jesus and launched out into the deep, you too need to do the same; then only will you find true blessing and abundance of life.