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! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, LORD, please leave me. I’m too much of a sinner to be around You.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. Luke 5:4-9 NLT
Gems come in more than just precious stones. They can come in the love of family and friends. They can come in the Word of our LORD.
In today’s scripture, Jesus told Simon to take his boat out to the deep water and let down his nets. Simon had been fishing all night, he was a seasoned fisherman and had probably fished all over the place, and the fish just weren’t biting. But, without arguing, or even trying to reason with Him, he did as Jesus told him and was rewarded with nets so full they began to break!
So what is the gem?
Jesus knew what was in the deep water and exactly where it was. He knew where the fish were and how deep they were swimming. He also knows what is in the deep of our hearts and what is keeping us from Him.
Just as He brought the fish up from the deep and into the light in this scripture, He also wants to bring our hidden problems into the light. He wants us to see and know His power and love. He will do whatever it takes for us to know Him! And it all starts with letting Him into the deep of our hearts.
There are so many ‘small’ sins that can build in our lives without us really being aware of them. Our culture helps us along the way to sin, by telling us that we need to accept this or that. We hear it so often, we will eventually begin to acknowledge a sin as common practice.
So how can we go about cleaning out our hearts? Remember, Christ is heading to the cross to bear your sins. He took your place. Start by asking the Spirit to search your heart. Ask Him to show you anything that is offensive to Him. When He does, seek forgiveness and then repent. Turn to Jesus for your example of how to live.
I know the words sin and repent are hard ones to think on, but they are words that Jesus takes very seriously. They are the two words and actions, that will keep us from being with Him.
He wants to be with you. It is His hearts desire for you to get to know your LORD.
Will you go fishing with Him today? Will you let Him search your heart?
Jesus,
Your Word is so full of wonder and joy. Thank You for the privilege of spending time reading with You. Help me to understand what You say and to not only understand Your Word, but to live it.
Please give me Your strength and courage to confront my sins. I don’t want to hurt You. Please forgive me when I do. Show me what I’ve buried in my life that keeps me from being in a close relationship with You. Please wash me in Your Spirit and make me new.
Thank You for giving me all I need to live my life for You!
Amen
With The Savior 