Trust And Obey

Sermon Title: Trust and Obey

Sermon Text: Luke 5:1-11

Sunday Evening, August 6, 2000

Scripture Introduction:

In this particular section of Scripture, we read about a particularly important aspect of Jesus’ journey to the cross. In this section of Scripture we read about the selection of some of those that would carry on His teachings after His death upon the cross. Jesus is choosing His successors. We all have different milestones in our walk toward Jesus ourselves. During that time we were almost assured of having equally if not more hard times as well as the good.

Now what kind of things have occurred just prior to this time? He is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, He is led into the wilderness and He resists the temptation’s of Satan and He begins His Ministry teaching and healing many in the area around the Sea of Galilee.

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11

1 Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2 and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." 5 Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets. 6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7 so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, "Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" 9 For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

Introduction:

As this section of Scripture begins, the people are following and coming closer to Jesus. They want to be within range so they could fully hear what this Teacher was proclaiming. The people just couldn’t wait to hear what Jesus had to say. I think there are many times in our lives that we wait with great anticipation for our Lord’s direction. Let’s think of a time that was perhaps in the not too distant past and perhaps we can feel the excitement return as if it was just happened yesterday. But just as there are times when we feel good about the things that the Holy Spirit impresses upon us there are equally times when we throw our hands up in dismay and say WHY ME!

There are times in our lives when Jesus speaks however there is some reservation on our part. Why do I have to do this and why do I have to give this up. If this is a struggle that you are experiencing, then don’t feel like you are the only one. This is a common affliction that has been around since man was created. We need to realize that it is the things that we hold dearest that come into conflict with our relationship with our Lord and Savior.

Sometimes it is our ego that drives a wedge in our relationship with God. Do we take offense when it is laid upon our hearts that monetary gain need not be the impetus for all that we do? Do we feel put upon when we are made to feel guilty when we have most of our needs met and we cross the paths of some that are left wanting? This is a natural part of our drawing closer with the Lord. Without these experiences we can not be molded to become more like Him. Just as an X-ray probes deep into our bodies, exposing the defects and disease, the Holy Spirit delves deep into our being exposing every nick, crevasse, and junk closet that we are either intentionally or unintentionally concealing. Without the diagnostics there can be no progression to treatment or cure.

So how should we react when we feel the influence of our Lord’s will? There is only one word that should describe the way we react to Jesus’ will for our lives and that is immediately. There is no time to waste only action on our part. There need not be discussion, disagreement or compromise, there needs to be quick, total and complete surrender to His will for our lives.