Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 13, 2020
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “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.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! Luke 5:4-6
Sometimes we need to change our approach. I was reminded of this yesterday while fishing with my 10 year old granddaughter and my 8 year old grandson. After an hour of wetting a hook, still no fish. What began with roaring enthusiasm, skipping to the pond with electric anticipation, began to be very boring. A bobbing float with occasional nibbles only left a naked hook. Five minutes for a child is like an hour for an adult. So we changed our approach before I totally lost their attention—they were five minutes from walking toward the path to wade into the creek. I took off the small lead weight a few inches above the hook, which must have allowed the bait to float down in a slower, more enticing manner. Within minutes smiles erupted over flopping fish on the muddy bank.
Jesus challenged the expert fisherman Simon (Peter) to change his approach. Exhausted and somewhat frustrated after an all night attempt to catch fish, Simon explained to Jesus (as if Jesus didn’t know) that he had already done his very best. And after all, Simon was the veteran fisherman, not Jesus. Unfazed and unperturbed, Jesus instructs the teachable disciple to change locations—go deeper—and drop his nets. Since his Master “said so”—Simon did so. Because he loved Jesus, Simon obeyed and was blessed with business that almost exceeded his capacity.
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love” (John 15:9-10).
Do you need to change your approach at work? Perhaps you become more collaborative with your co-workers so the best ideas can rise to the top, and everyone owns the solution, because they were involved in the decision making process. Collaboration takes longer, but the results last longer. Or, your direct approach with a teenager seems to have made matters worse. Perhaps you provide loving boundaries, but ask her to come up with a creative alternative and you help resource her success. Going deeper relationally allows you to catch more authentic friendships.
Most of all, move into the deeper waters of love and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. You waded into the waters of salvation and baptism, engaged in Bible study, worship and prayer. But there are deeper waters of spiritual intimacy God is asking you to cast your net of faith into. Change your approach. Try a new Bible translation. Engage a Spiritual Director. Take an online course. Be totally vulnerable with a community of Christ followers in the deep waters of feeling known, freeing you to help others be known—and come to know God. Change your approach. Watch Jesus exceed your expectations. Go where God leads—for He generously blesses obedience to Him.
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith” (Hebrews 11:8-9).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, lead me into the deeper waters of intimacy with you and love for others, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What approach with people do I need to change at work and home?
Related Reading
Genesis 12:1-4; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Isaiah 43:19; Acts 7:2-4
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Sometimes we need to change our approach and trust the Lord with the results. #wisdomhunters #approach #truth #Jesus
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