Because You Say So

"Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

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."

When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

Luke 5: 4-6

Sometimes Jesus asks us to do things that defy our intelligence and our experience.

Simon was a fisherman. He knew how to fish, he knew where to fish, and he knew when to fish. He had done everything that he knew to do, but for some reason, on this particular day, it hadn't worked.
Oh well, it was time to mend the nets and call it quits. Surely there'd be fish tomorrow.

Jesus has a different plan. After having comandeered Simon's boat so that he might teach the crowds who were at the beach that morning, he encourages Simon to give it another go.

Now? In  broad daylight? Now? After getting skunked all night? Now? When I'm weary and ready to go home? Really, Jesus? Are you sure?

Simon expressed his doubts. And I imagine Jesus heard them, but he was unmoved. His gaze was certainly resolute, perhaps he raised his eyebrows, and waited. So Simon says, "But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

It didn't make sense. It seemed to be an exercise in futility. And even though Simon was sure it wouldn't work, he did what Jesus asked. Because Jesus said so.

It's easy to do what Jesus asks when it makes sense. It's easy to obey when we understand why. It's easy to follow a Jesus who leads us in predictable patterns. It's easy to trust a Savior who respects human logic. But I'm not sure this is the picture of Jesus that the Bible paints.

Jesus asks lame men to get up and walk.

Jesus tells Peter to get out of the boat.

Jesus allows a prostitue to wash his feet with her hair.

Jesus takes time away from a busy ministry schedule to interact with little children.

Jesus calls Judas his friend.

Jesus dines with sinners.

Jesus beckons Lazarus from the grave.

Jesus rarely does what is "normal" or "expected." And he invites his followers to walk as he walked.

To notice the broken people. To stoop to the lowly. To befreind the betrayers. To speak life to the dying. To cast out our nets where no fish have been found, because he says so.

So here's the question: "What is Jesus saying?"

What is he saying to you, today? What is he asking you to do? Does it seem absurd? Crazy? Irresponsible? Unnecessary? And will you do it, just because he says so?

Tweet