Obedience to the Word of Christ

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Luke 5:5

And Simon answering said to him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing…

How very much may simple obedience partake of the sublime l Peter here appeals, quite naturally, to one of the grandest principles which rule among intelligent beings, and to the strongest force which sways the universe. Great God, it is "at Thy word" that seraphs fly and cherubs bow! Acting in conformity with "Thy word," we feel ourselves to be in order with all the forces of the universe, travelling on the main track of all real existence. Is not this a sublime condition, even though it be seen in the common deeds of our everyday life?

I. "At Thy word" should apply TO ALL THE AFFAIRS OF ORDINARY LIFE.

1. I mean, first, as to continuance in honest industry (1 Corinthians 7:20). Be diligent. Labour on in hope. Your best endeavours will not of themselves bring you prosperity; still, do not relax those endeavours. God has placed you where you are; move not till His providence calls you. Do not run before the cloud. Let not despondency drive you to anything rash or unseemly.

2. As to seeking for employment, if you have none. Go on seeking. Let men see that a Christian is not readily driven to despair; nay, let them see that when the yoke is made more heavy the Lord has a secret way of strengthening the backs of His children to bear their burdens.

3. It may be that you have been endeavouring in your daily life to acquire skill in your business, and you have not succeeded, or you have tried to acquire more knowledge, so that you could better fulfil your vocation, but hitherto you have not prospered as you could wish. Do not, therefore, cease from your efforts. Christians must never be idlers. Our Lord Jesus would never have it said that His disciples are a sort of cowards who, if they do not succeed the first time, will never try again. At His word let down the net once more: He may intend largely to bless you when by trial you have been prepared to bear the benediction.

II. Is MATTERS OF SPIRITUAL PROFITING We must at the word of Christ let down the net again.

III. The great principle of our text should be applied TO OUR LIFE-BUSINESS — soul-winning. Our method of catching men is by letting down the net of the gospel. Each believer has a warrant to seek the conversion of his fellows. The word of the Lord is a warrant which justifies the man who obeys it. It will leave us guilty if we do not obey. This warrant from Christ is one which, if we be in the state of heart of Simon Peter, will be omnipotent with us. It was very powerful with Simon Peter.

1. He was under the influence of a great disappointment. Yet he let down the net.

2. This command in Peter overcame his love of ease.

3. The command of Christ was so supreme over Peter that he was not held back by carnal reason. Reason would say, "If you could not catch fish in the night, you will certainly not do so in the day." But when Christ commands, the most unlikely time is likely, and the most unpromising sphere becomes hopeful.

4. The lesson to you and me is this: Let us do as Peter did, and let down the net personally, for the apostle said, "I will let down the net." Cannot you do something yourself — with your own heart, lips, hands?

5. And you had better do it at once. You may never have another opportunity; your zeal may have evaporated, or your life may be over.

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