Luke 5:6

Luke 5:6

What was the teaching of this miracle for the Apostles and for us?

I. To Peter, indeed, and his fellows it was the Divine assurance that henceforth their life was to be spent for Him alone. No more fishing on the Lake of Galilee; henceforth they must toil night and day to save souls alive. The miracle was their warranty that, so only they abide within the ship of God's holy Church, so only they have Christ with them all days, directing and protecting; however futile, humanly speaking, their work may be, it cannot fail. Christ the Source and Centre of the Church's life on earth, in heaven; for time, for eternity; Christ using human instruments to draw souls out of the waters of this troublesome world, and bring them safe to the eternal shore; this surely was the meaning of the miracle for Peter and for us.

II. Yet, further, it tells me that whatsoever I take in hand, if I fail to bid Jesus Christ be my Friend, must end in loss. All success in life, success in home, success in business, success in scientific pursuits, depends on Jesus Christ's help. "Without Me ye can do nothing." Men may think to dispense with Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God; but their efforts are doomed to failure. How shall I then secure this presence? By making everything in life a matter of prayer. Referring allto Him; not merely things appertaining to my soul's needs, but my daily business, my home life, my recreation, my pleasures. So does our daily life become supernatural, Divine; the light of God's countenance shines full upon us; our lives are simple, natural, bright, lovely, all because they are lives of faith in God; they are lived in God, referred to Him in every detail; they have Him for their end; failure is impossible.

III. Yet more. Did not this miracle teach St. Peter a salutary lesson of Divine Omnipotence? The eye of Jesus Christ could reach the depths of the Sea of Galilee; He knew exactly where and when the fish would be found. He who could read the secrets of the Sea of Galilee could also read the secrets of Peter's heart, read his selfishness, read his faithlessness, his impetuosity, and his cowardice. He knows us, yet He bids us know ourselves, that knowing ourselves, and bewailing our wasted life, He may say to us, Fear not.

T. Birkett Dover, The Ministry of Mercy,p. 34.

References: Luke 5:6. Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 62; W. C. E. Newbolt, Counsels of Faith and Practice,p. 157. Luke 5:7. Spurgeon, My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 65; Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., p. 150.