Obedience leads to success-->realization-->submission

Text: Luke 5: 1-11
Introduction:-
Jesus was teaching a crowd of peoples the word of God. They were listening to him. He had a captive audience, what more could he ask for? But then he saw something else that attracted his attention. He saw two boats by the water's edge. Two old boats used for fishing. There were two boats because fishermen often worked together in a coop arrangement to catch more fish (Bible Background Comm., 201). Jesus saw the fishermen washing their nets that they used to catch their fish. And Jesus changed what he was doing. He stopped. He went over to the boats and asked one of the fishermen to take him out on the boat a little ways from the shore. And the fisherman, named Simon, did just that. Jesus sat down in the boat and continued to teach the people from there.

Now Jesus was in a different location. He could still address the people, maybe more effectively since they could all see him now further away from them and his voice may be able to project to more them since he was facing all of them and the shore functioned better acoustically like an amphitheater But I believe there was clearly another reason why Jesus wanted to speak from the boat. He wanted later on to talk to the owner of the boat, Simon.

We can observe 3 things from the text.

1. Obedience leads to success
Peter was the many other people who heard Jesus’ teaching from the shore. After a long night of disappointing fishing session (vs 5), Peter would have set down with frustration and tiredness. Nevertheless, when the word of the Lord came in a form of instruction, Peter obeyed (the use of gar “but” in Gr.). Humanly speaking, Peter was definitely more well versed and expert in the sea. He knows when and how he can catch good fish. But, here in spite of all his knowledge and experiences, Peter chooses to obey Christ. Putting aside all that he knew, he and his companions casted the net as Jesus instructed. Vs 6 tells us the harvest. Yes indeed, the fruit of obedience is blessing and success. If Peter would have relied simply on his expertise and knowledge and refuse to obey, he wouldn’t have not received the great blessing. It was when he and his companions obeyed that they received a bountiful blessing from God.
Are we desperate for blessings in life? Are we also tired and frustrated in life like Peter and his friends? All that is required of us to come out off our barren situation and circumstances is to obey the voice of God. Vs 7 tells us that the blessings were too great that they needed another boat to also contained it. Not only that, the overwhelming blessing was also sinking the boat. When God blesses, He blesses bountifully, He blesses beyond our expectations, and He blesses till our cups overflows – no place to contain it.

2. Obedience leads to realization
This narrative was indeed a great miracle for Peter and his companions. They who were professional in the field were simply amazed by the wonder working power of Christ. Peter knew this Jesus was not a simple man. He knew that He was far greater than what human mind can comprehend.
Thus, (vs 8) Peter expressed conviction of sin in Jesus' presence indicating that he realized that Jesus was very different from himself (cf.Isa. 6:5). "Depart from me," or, "Go away from me," expresses Peter's feeling of uncleanness in Jesus' presence. Jesus' superior ability caused Peter to sense that he was a sinner, one who fell short. "Sinner" (Gr. hamartolos) is one of Luke's characteristic words. Of the 22 occurrences of this word in the Synoptics, 15 are in Luke. "Luke does not use the term pejoratively but compassionately, as a common term applied to those who were isolated from Jewish religious circles because of their open sin, their unacceptable occupation or lifestyle, or their paganism. Luke shows that these sinners are the objects of God's grace through the ministry of Jesus."
"What Peter does not realize is that admitting one's inability and sin is the best prerequisite for service, since then one can depend on God. Peter's confession becomes his résumé for service. Humility is the elevator to spiritual greatness."
Today as we ponder about own spiritual journey, have we come across any moments when we realized how sinful and depraved we are because of sin? Our God is so holy and highly exalted that we don’t even deserve to be ministered by Him? We are to go before God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalms 51:17). Only those who can acknowledge the state of total depravity will be called by God for His noble ministry or rather will be used by God. Peter acknowledgement of His sinful state led God’s invitation into his life (vs 10)

3. Response of obedience – total submission
Subsequently, God’s invitation comes for Peter and his companions to serve God. Interestingly, God never invited them beforehand, but only when they obeyed His voice. God chooses and uses obedient vessels. Vs 11tell us that Peter and his companions, instantaneously responded to God’s call for ministry. They did not think twice. They did not focus on the great catch that they got on that day. But they immediately left everything and followed Jesus. Today, the story of these Disciples is told all over the world because of their total obedience and submission. If we want to find favor in the eyes of God – we better submit 100% to His will. That’s exactly what they did the other day along the lake. God is not desired in our gift, but He is more desired in our obedience to His word and Will.

Conclusion:-
"The major application in the miracle of the catch of fish centers on Jesus' instructions and Peter's responses. In the midst of teaching many, Jesus calls a few people to more focused service. Peter is one example of such a call. Everyone has a ministry, and all are equal before God, but some are called to serve him directly. Peter has the three necessary qualities Jesus is looking for. He is willing to go where Jesus leads, he is
humble, and he is fully committed."