OBEDIENCE

(Compliance, Agreement, Submission, Respect)

HV Theme 2023 Luke 5:5 (nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net)
4
Now when he had ceased speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the
deep, and let down your nets for a catch.
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And Simon answering said unto him, Master/ Teacher, we have toiled all the
night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the
net.
o Jesus had preached from Simon Peter and Andrew’s boat as a stage/pulpit
to reach the crowd on the shore of sea of Galilee.
o Now he considers rewarding the fishermen with a good catch, He turns to
Peter “take the boat out into the deeper water and let down your net for a
catch”
o These men are discouraged and disappointed, more so tired and
exhausted. Worst still are now being instructed by an inexperienced
person in regards to fishing.
 I know the Lord is asking some of you to step out in obedience to him,
perhaps in areas where you've tried in the past, but seemingly to no
avail.
 You are sitting before the Lord saying, "Lord, I've tried before. I've
attempted it before." _But say it this way, "Nevertheless, at your word, I
will try again."
 Don’t give-up, your miracle is at the door.
 Perhaps the Lord is saying – support that young man regardless of his
attitude and indiscipline stay in that marriage, make that call, forgive
that person, return that money,
 Because you've asked me to do it, we will go out and try again."
“But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Because you say so – Oh,
if we were all so obedient! Here’s the rub – we always think we know what is
best for our lives when in reality, we really don’t have a clue! What we perceive
being quite possibly the worst thing for us, could, in fact, be the best! I
determined a long time ago to quite fighting God against the best for my life! I
was tired of “kicking against the goads” so to speak! Whether we realize it or
not, being in the center of God’s will is exactly where we want to be – “His
good and pleasing and perfect will.”
Evidently Simon had learned the lesson that perhaps Jesus had something better
in store beyond his expectation. He often does. Nothing happens to His children
by chance.
Everything that He allows has purpose.
Everything He allows is used to conform us to His image. As His children, we
must learn to embrace with joy what He allows knowing that it is for our best.
God often tests us for us to see where our loyalties lie.
Are we willing to be obedient despite what the world thinks? Are we willing to
be obedient despite what our family and closest friends think? The tests are for
us. God already knows our hearts. Our actions never take Him by surprise.
We are told in Scripture:
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve
him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD
searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If
you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you
forever, 1 Chron 28:9 (NIV)

Fellow sojourners, obedience is key to the abundant life Jesus has called us to!
"Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
What I Glean
 Sometimes obedience may not make much sense in the world’s eyes (or
in mine for that matter!).
 Obedience is for me – it is for my good.
 Through testing, God allows for me to see exactly what is in my heart.