DEVO 07.30.26

DEVO. 07.30.26

“Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” (Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

- What would it take to leave everything that was comfortable to you and follow Jesus?

- I mean, really follow Jesus?

- Leave what you know and follow in the unknown?

- These disciples were trained fishermen.

- That was their livelihood, identity and their income

- In Luke 5:1, Jesus is preaching on the shore and noticed two empty boats.

- As he preaches, the crowds gathered around Him.

- Jesus stepped into the empty boat, and begins to teach.

- The boat was empty because the fishermen had fished all night and caught nothing.

- No fish = Empty boat

- Have you ever felt like that? You’ve worked hard, and given it all you can and produced nothing?

- You are exhausted but have nothing to show for it?

- It leaves you feeling like you are a failure.

- Why don’t you invite Jesus into your boat and obey His Word.

- Jesus told them, ““Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”” (Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬)

- These experienced fishermen said, ““Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.””

- ‭‭in other words, “We know what we are doing! But if you say so…”

- And then, “And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!” (Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬)

- That’s when they left everything and followed Jesus!

- Here’s the question: what are you doing in your own strength that is leaving you exhausted and producing little results?

- That’s an empty boat!

- Invite Jesus into your boat.

- Listen to His word!

- Follow His direction!

- Watch the increase!

- It may be a difficult step.

- It may mean leaving all that you know!

- It may mean trusting Him with everything!

- It probably means trusting him with new relationships.

- It may mean a new job.

- But your trust in Him with everything will be worth it!

- Stop living in fear and take a step of faith!

- They started with two empty boats and returned with two boatloads of overflowing fish!

- Your life will never be boring when you invite Jesus in!

- Have a great Thursday!