When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
—Luke 5:4–5 (NKJV)
When we take a close look at the story in our opening text, we see the importance of following divine instructions. Simon Peter and his crew had toiled all night trying to catch fish but unfortunately caught nothing. However, when Jesus came on the scene and used their boat to preach the Gospel, everything changed. When He was done, He told them, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” —Luke 5:4 (NKJV).
Now, when He said that to them, it may have seemed like a joke because they had already spent the whole night trying without success. Anyone could have easily said, “We can’t go and waste our time again,” considering the stress they had endured. But that wasn’t the case for Peter. Instead, he said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” —Luke 5:5 (NKJV).
Did you see that? In spite of their earlier failure, he still decided to follow the Master’s word. Peter recognized that this was a divine directive—and guess what? The moment they let down their nets into the deep, the Bible says, “They caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” —Luke 5:6–7 (NKJV).
From this, we see that it pays to follow divine instructions. At first, they may not make sense, and sometimes they may not be easy to obey, but if you follow through, the results will bless you beyond measure. So be encouraged today to take divine instructions seriously. They could come through your pastor or directly from Jesus Himself. Whatever the case, recognize the voice of God and act on it.
The question is, what instructions have you received lately? Don’t delay in carrying them out. And if you haven’t received any lately, stay alert—one will surely come. The key is to be sensitive enough to recognize it. Hallelujah!
Today’s Rhema
Be quick to recognize divine instructions and carry them out—you’re the one who stands to benefit!
Confession for the Day
Father, I’m grateful for this wonderful reminder. I receive grace and wisdom to follow divine instructions, and as I do, I’m reaping a bountiful harvest in Jesus’ name. Amen!
