How does one handle an odd request by Jesus?
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:4-6
As a pastor, I’ve been asked to do a lot of strange things over the years. I’m sure those under my spiritual leadership would admit that I have done a few odd things on my inclination. When handling an unusual request by someone other than Jesus, there is a different set of protocol. I am not necessarily obliged to do certain things, especially if they seem to be spiritual sense. But there appears to be a much different result when handling a request of God’s. Simon demonstrates some important ways to respond that give other men a template on how to react.
The first thing you will notice here is that Simon had just finished listening to Jesus teach. It wasn’t blind faith because he had a sample size taste of the Saviors teaching as he sat front row during the sermon. After Jesus was finished, he then asked Simon to head out to deep water for a fishing trip. Simon heard something, but he still didn’t know everything. There was an obvious objection based on reason. He was a seasoned fisherman and knew the patterns of fish. With doubts, Simon willing obeyed. And Jesus’ request yielded an absurd and astonishing result. Simon heard enough to obey, yet he still had doubts. He did what was asked, and Jesus did His part. Be like Simon in response to Jesus.