DEVO 06.17.25

DEVO. 06.17.25

“Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)

- The phrase “If you say so” is usually said with sarcasm or in jest.

- It is usually said with a hint of disbelief.

- It’s like, “I know how to do it, but sure, we will give it a shot, your way, and this will not work either.”

- I wonder about the tone or the way that Simon, a professional fisherman, said “Because you say so” to Jesus?

- The disciples had just fished all night!

- They knew how to fish!

- The Amplified says, “We worked hard all night [to the point of exhaustion] and caught nothing.”

- They are exhausted.

- They had spent all their energy.

- And yet Jesus said, “Try it my way.”

- I wonder if you have ever had that feeling?

- You’ve worked as hard as you can for as long as you can and produced nothing!

- You know how to do your job or what is required of you, but now your results are empty.

- You have nothing to show for all of your hard work.

- You feel exhausted!

- Jesus has come by, today, to whisper in your ear, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

- I think it is interesting that He said this after He had finished speaking.

- The Word in Flesh spoke the Word that has the power to bring dead things to life, and as they listened and were filled with the Word, He says, “Go out where it is deeper.”

- It’s almost like Jesus said, “I have stocked the pond full of fish, over here. you would be foolish to fish where you were.”

- In Matthew 11:29, (The Message) Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

- Religious activity and working out of your head will leave you exhausted.

- But when you live by the Spirit, you will be energized and full of life!

- Zechariah 4:6 says, It’s ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

- Today, listen to the Word of the Lord and then yield yourself to His Spirit.

- Surrender all of yourself and all of your activity to Him.

- Then follow His instructions as He says, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets.”

- He says, I have a better way!

- Jesus says, ”My way is better than your way!”

- Today, wherever you feel exhausted and worn out, turn it over to Jesus.

- Listen to His voice and do what He tells you to do in a new place and in a new way!

- Tell Jesus, “Where you lead me, I will follow.”

- Have a great Tuesday!