A guy named Peter knew how to fish. That was his trade, his livelihood. When it came to catching fish, he was the expert.
Peter’s buddy Jesus was a carpenter by trade. He knew how to make things with his hands, things constructed of wood. He was an expert at woodworking.
So when the professional fisherman didn’t catch a thing, it seems strange for the professional carpenter to offer him fishing advice.
But that’s exactly what Jesus did to Peter, the novice told the expert what to do.
It would have been entirely reasonable for Peter to dismiss Jesus, after all, Peter had been fishing his entire life; Jesus had not.
Yet Peter set aside his pride and disregarded his experience, agreeing to do what Jesus said, just “because you say so.”
Sometimes what God tells us to do seems foolish, sometimes we know better and want to ignore his advice. But if we are truly wise we will do it anyway, just because he says so.
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Luke 4-6 , and today’s post is on Luke 5:1-11.]
Read more about the book of Luke in That You May Know: A 40-Day Devotional Exploring the Life of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke, now available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.