Daily Worship

Thank you for unexpected love

John Povey February 13, 2025 0 0
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Luke 5: 4-6 (NRSVA)

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ 5 Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’ 6 When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.

Can you imagine, after a long night of trawling for fish, and with little reward, being told to go back out and try one more time? We might excuse Simon Peter if he responded, “Listen, Jesus, I’m the expert here.”  But he didn’t. Instead he had the humility to obey.

Having fished all night with little to show for it, it took faith to push the boundaries at the behest of Jesus. The result was a life-changing experience!

How difficult this can be for us too! Faced with a task, though we might not voice it, we’re likely to think to ourselves, “Lord, I’ve got this!” What adventures might we be missing because we insist on calling the shots instead of letting God lead us?

Are we prepared to move from our dependence on our own best techniques, and fish in harmony with the powerful love of Jesus? Are we prepared to follow wherever his voice of encouragement may lead?

It was no accident that Jesus directed the disciples to put out into deeper waters.  That’s where the fish were. Now they were fishing at the direction of the “Master”, and their nets were full.

And so today we give thanks for unexpected love. Life is constantly full of promise as we lean into a rewarding life of love and surprise.

 

Prayer:

 

Dear Lord, as I come before you today, I pray that you will give me the courage to step out into the deep waters of life. May I let down my nets and cast my worries and doubts aside, for I know that you are in control and I can trust in your provision. Thank you for your unexpected love, and for the abundance you have in store for me. May I always be willing to follow your lead and to trust in your plan for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.