Following the Captain

Peter was a seasoned fisherman. He knew all about the movement of fish. He knew the best time to fish. He knew the right moment to pull the nets in. He was an expert. But one day Jesus showed up and said, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4).

Peter had been fishing all night without catching anything. Think about it. If you were a sailor and some guy came along who was neither a sailor nor a fisherman and told you what to do, you might think, Do you really know what you are talking about? Peter was the fisherman. Jesus was effectively the landlubber.

I love Peter’s response. He said, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net" (verse 5). By the way, it is implied in the original language that Peter was using a nautical term with Jesus, as if to say, "You are the captain of the boat. You are the admiral here. At Your word, we will do it."

You probably know the rest of the story. They pulled in so much fish that the boat began to sink under the weight of them. Peter was blown away. Jesus had just invaded Peter’s world in a way he could understand. Peter fell down before Him and said, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" (verse 8). In other words, "Don’t waste your time on me. I’m going to let You down."

But Jesus told him, "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men" (verse 10).

Will you let Jesus be the captain of your boat? He won’t force His way on board. He’s waiting for you to invite Him.