VISITATION FOR RESTORATION (II)

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go” – Isaiah 48:17

The fifth chapter of the Gospel of Luke presents another scenario of God’s Visitation for Restoration! On this occasion by the lake-side, Jesus commandeered Peter’s boat, and used it as a platform to teach the assembled crowds. The fishing partners had just returned from a fruitless night’s toil and were washing their nets before retiring home. When He finished speaking, He turned to Peter with the seemingly ridiculous command: “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (v.4). Veiled in this visitation was a silent test of trust and loyalty. Peter stood on the threshold of a destiny-defining encounter.

Peter was prepared to defer to the Master’s instruction, but what did He know about fishing? Would this not amount to blind obedience? Was this not asking too much of his loyalty? It was common knowledge that the morning was no time for fishing. If he obeyed Jesus, would he not become a laughing-stock? On this crucial occasion, this volatile and relatively unstable personality faced a major decision-making crisis. Would he surmount the test? Will this visitation result in restoration?

Peter’s hesitant reply portrays the fierceness of the battle that was raging within him: “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (v5). Alleluia, he conquered the crisis; he passed the test; he won the victory! He yielded uncontested sovereignty to the Lord Jesus Christ. The miraculous haul of fish forever fixed in his mind that he had not surrendered to a mere man. Vitally, Jesus had become his Lord. Just one word from Jesus can move you from the brink of bankruptcy to the realms of net-breaking, boat-filling harvests.

Beloved, is your business struggling or your ministry fainting? Peter the fisherman experienced that too. You are not alone on that job, career, business or ministry. Jesus the Restorer will visit you to help you. Hand over the helm of your life’s affairs to Him; and He’ll lead you into productivity and profit (Isa.48:17). Sometimes He’ll instruct you to do the ridiculous in order to obtain the miraculous. Obey, and the results will truly amaze you. The restoration God has for you is greater than anything you can ever envision for yourself. Simply trust and obey, for there’s no other way…!