Empty... Filled...

Empty...

Filled...

“Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.’”

(Luke 5:5)

As the ministry of Jesus Christ progressed, people became increasingly interested in two things:

▪️To hear the Word of God...

▪️To experience deliverance...

In Luke chapter 5, we see people crowding around Jesus to hear the Word of God. While one group eagerly pressed forward, longing to gather the precious words that fell from the lips of Jesus, another group was washing their nets, trying to forget a fruitless night.

It was the first time in Simon’s life that he had experienced a night in which he caught nothing...

Little did he know that this was going to be the day when he would receive everything...

Just think about it...

When we are standing broken and disappointed, counting the losses in our lives, don’t people and crowds sometimes become irritating to us...?

If someone asks us for help at such a moment, wouldn’t we be tempted to lose our temper?

This is what made Peter different...!

What if he had caught something that day?

1.⁠ ⁠Peter’s boat would never have become a pulpit for preaching. Even a small catch of fish would have been inconvenience.

2.⁠ ⁠His boat would not have been filled Miraculously.

3.⁠ ⁠He might never have become the renowned apostle he eventually became.

When Jesus commanded him, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets,” Peter gave the response that forms the focus of our meditation:

“ We have worked hard all night... nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net.”

While those around him remained silent, Peter said, “We” have worked hard all night. But “I” will let down the net at Your word.

Once again, Peter was different...

That day, the fisherman in Peter failed. Why?

1.⁠ ⁠What Jesus said seemed completely illogical and appeared to challenge Peter’s knowledge, skill, and expertise as a fisherman.

2.⁠ ⁠Daytime was not the ideal time for fishing.

3.⁠ ⁠They had already cast their nets here and there throughout the night, leaving hardly any place untouched.

4.⁠ ⁠They were exhausted after working throughout the night.

But that day, the believer in Peter succeeded. Why?

1.⁠ ⁠He said, in effect, “We have worked hard all night, but I will let down the net.” Regardless of what his companions might have thought, I will obey.

2.⁠ ⁠He did not merely speak about obedience; he actually did it.

Let us look at Peter once again.

Before obedience...

🔹 An empty boat.

🔹A heart empty of hope.

🔹A body drained of energy.

After obedience...

🔸A boat filled to overflowing.

🔸A heart filled with excitement.

🔸Eyes filled with tears of joy.

🔸A heart filled with repentance.

Dearly beloveds,

Sometimes God allows an emptiness that has never happened before because He is about to fill it in a way we have never experienced before.

Let us be different in faith, just like Peter.

He will fill you...!

May God bless each and every one of you.