Lord’s Day, Vol. 13 No. 46
Launch Out Into the Deep
Luke 5:1-11 (KJV) And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught (a hunting, a catch). 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Christ’s earthly ministry was but a short span of 3½ years. His focus in preaching gospel of the kingdom of God was to usher lost souls into God’s kingdom. Outside God’s kingdom is a fear awaiting of eternal judgment – Revelation 21:8 (KJV) But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Christ’s ministry will culminate in His crucifixion where He would break the bondage of sin and death, the stronghold of the devil, upon fallen men – Hebrews 2:14-15 (KJV) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
After His ascension to heaven, Christ will inaugurate the church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) towards the ultimate ushering in of His kingdom on earth at His Second Coming. His disciples will be filled with the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel to the saving of souls – Acts 1:8 (KJV) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Our text records the preparation phase for the launching of the gospel mission work from Israel to all the world. “Launch Out Into the Deep” was the command of our Lord to His disciples, who were fishermen, to bring their boats out to sea and cast their net into the depths of the sea. As fishermen, their livelihood depends upon getting a good catch each time they went out to sea. Our Lord was teaching them dependence upon Him for their livelihood. He has the power to sustain them as they lay down their nets to be trained by Christ Himself to win souls – “Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men,” (v10b).
I have decided to follow Jesus (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
Though no one join me, still I will follow (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
As experienced fishermen, it was surprising they caught nothing though they spent the whole night out at sea. Nevertheless, at the word (ῥῆμα – rhema) of Jesus, they launch out to sea again and caught a whole net full. The fishes, at the command of Christ swam, into the net. Jesus, truly, is God! Peter fell at Jesus’ knees in acknowledging his sinfulness and need of Christ to save him. He was gloriously saved and he consecrated his life, with the other disciples, to serve the Lord that day – they forsook all, and followed him (v11b). Glory to God in the highest!
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee