But if you say so

March 21, 2015

Scripture

Luke 5:5

“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.” NLT

Simon answered Him, “Master, we have worked all night and have caught nothing. But at Your word I will let down the net.” MEV

Observation

1. Peter said we have fished all night and we have caught nothing.  We are professional fishermen, we have done this all of our lives.  You are a carpenter, you know nothing about fishing. But if you say so or at your word I will do it.

2. Peter acted on the word of Jesus and he caught a miraculous catch.

Application

Sometimes Jesus will tell us to do something that does not make sense, it is not logical or rational.  At that moment we will know how much faith we really have. It is a test, Jesus was testing Peter and today he tests us.

1. I must take Jesus at his word.

I do not try to rationalize or test his word.  I act in faith.

2.  Obedience is the only proper response.

I prove I have faith in Jesus when I obey him.  What I say does not truly reveal my heart, my actions do.

3. God tests me to reveal to me my level of faith.

He already knows but I don't.  The heart can be deceitful above all things.  I may think I have great faith but in reality I do not.  

4. Faith comes by hearing the word of God.

I saturated my mind with his words.

5. Faith comes by experiencing God.

I really know God has the healer when I experience his healing.  I know him as the provider when I am in need and he provides.

Prayer

I know my heart is deceitful.  I know I can fool myself into believing I am more of a man of a God than I really am.  Reveal to me my true level of faith.  Produce faith in me.  May I be a person who says "But if you say so I will do it."