Luke 5:6-11 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke.… The sea-shore was often the Lord's retreat. By the shore lines of Galilee He wandered, and amid the voiceful hush of nature His soul found rest. Our scene opens in the morning on that sea made so sacred with associations of our Lord. On the beach, drawn up a little, were two fishing-boats. They had been out all night, trying, but unsuccessfully, all waters. The fishermen were washing their nets some little distance away with disconsolate faces. A night spent in toiling, and the morning dawning upon no fruit of effort, might well make them sad. These men had apparently failed, but there were elements in their failure which led to success. I. CHRIST CAME TO THEM WHEN THEY WERE FEELING THEIR FAILURE. But He found them working. II. THEIR WORKING THUS IN FAILURE AND THEIR WILLINGNESS TO TRY AGAIN SHADOWED THEIR FITNESS FOR HIGHER WORK. The Lord was choosing gospel-pioneers. There was in these men — 1. Natural aptitude. 2. Industry. 3. Foresight. 4. Willinghood. III. LET US HEAR CHRIST'S WORDS OF COMMANDING EFFORT AS ADDRESSED TO US — "Launch out into the deep." 1. There are prayers unanswered and we are weary. You have, perhaps, been hugging the shore of self — throw yourself and yours more upon the deep of God s unfailing faithfulness and mercy. 2. You have been fishing in shallow waters, teaching your children, your scholars, your people, with that which was cheaply got and therefore little worth. Launch out into the ocean of God's truth. 3. You have had your religious crotchets. Launch out into broader spiritedness, deeper sympathies, more catholic charity. "O, stirring words of living power, Ye speak to every heart; Ye bid all selfishness away, And slothful ease depart. Where'er there is a soul to cheer, Where'er the mourners weep, There, bear the healing balm of love, 'Launch out into the deep!' O, watchword brave for those who sail Across the sea of life, Steer far away from every rock With awful dangers rife. Leave all the shallows and the neap; Far in the distance keep; Strike boldly right amid the waves 'Launch out into the deep!'" (W. Scott.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.WEB: When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. |
    |