Five Steps to Total Surrender (Luke 5:1-11)

1. In v1-3 we have a HUNGER FOR THE WORD OF GOD (v1, 3).

Today there is hunger for information on anything and everything. Only when we come to the word of God are we satisfied with every troubling questions on issues of life, death, trials, troubles, sufferings, today and future day.

But notice, they pressed on Him to hear the Word. It is worthy to note here that people pressed on Him for various needs, intentions and motives and the good Lord just met the same in their lives. There were some who came to Him for:

• Having food and were filled to their appetite.
• Healing of sickness and were surprisingly received health.
• Holding Him in His words and were shocked at His wisdom and tender dealing. And here
• Hearing from Him.

Let our motive be higher in these meetings as we come to Him.

2. In v4-5 we have HEAVEN’S DIRECTION.

How we all need that in every days of our lives. Please bear in mind they were trained fishermen. They did their best in fishing

• At the right time – night
• At the right place – the lake
• With the right partners – James and John

And yet we read ‘caught nothing’. This means they were disappointed, discouraged and disillusioned. Are you one of those? You always tried your best but are unsuccessful? Never give up. Look at this fishermen, v2, showing a sign of gearing up and not giving up, because they were found washing their nets, for another attempt. They were willing to try again. How many of them we find, alas have given up on washing their net for another try. The Lord said to Simon: Launch out, Let down and Look out.

3. In v6-7 HUGE RESPONSE.

They had a big catch, both the ships were filled and we read the net started braking and ships started sinking. Such a catch in spite of his half hearted response. For instead of casting his nets he said will cast the net. Though were washing nets. He attempted to go ahead with one net at His Word. That is great, when you take Him at His Word, you will never fail.

But it is good to note here, it was with the SAME net, same boat, same place and at odd time. Many in our day when faced with lack of success want a CHANGE. They say change the boat, the net, the place and the crew.

Ultimately we must think seriously, what is that made the catch possible, was it boat? Or net? Or the fisherman? No. None of that. The difference is made because of the LORD. Oh how good it will be if we instead of trying various means and methods, moving from places of dis-satisfaction to somewhat satisfaction, changing assemblies etc, give HIM His rightful honour and Lordship in our own lives, families and assemblies. Ask a question, does He have a complete sway and say in my life? If there is any area, confess it, and consecrate to Him right now. After all question is, who is involved in whose work? They in Lord’s work or the Lord in their work? Let Him involve dear one, in our lives. He will make the difference and complete difference.

4. In v8 HONEST CONFESSION.

What a statement. But appears out of context. After seeing such a success Peter had an option to say to the Lord, whenever He comes next time to the place, ‘come to me, take my ship, use as long as you want to speak to the people, but at the end just tell me where to cast the net’.

His eyes were not taken up by the catch, the success, the name and fame he could have, but to the person of the Lord. He confessed himself as a sinner but Him as the Lord. His worthiness and his own unworthiness. His holiness but self sinfulness.

That is what needs to be focused in all our dealing with the Lord. Take the word and let it search our own hearts and its failures but Him and His faithfulness.

5. 9-11 HENCE FORTH, CATCH MEN.

Beloved, only then comes the hence forth in our lives. There is a dire need for every one of us for hence forth and only the good Lord and guide you.

It was a day of Simon Peter’s commendation. But when did the Lord say that to Him? Not when he let him come in the ship, or moved away from the shore, not even when He spoke to the people, or launch out, or let down the net,. The Lord didn’t say these words even when he skillfully rowed back to shore, alighted the ship. When did He say? He said, when Simon confessed his sinfulness and accepting His holiness. The Lord is looking for our sincere surrender than our sincere services. Are you a surrendered Christian? Can the Lord see you as one like Simon? He will not despise the broken and contrite spirit. Sin makes man stubborn, rebellious, showy, doing for name and fame. Let us stop it. and fall at His feet. May we press on Him to hear the Word and allow the word to wash us.

In the response it is not just Simon, notice the word ‘they’, includes James and John. For they were all astonished. Only a surprised soul, at the doing of the Lord, is useful for the Lord. When was it last that you were surprised at His doing, seeing His hand in your life?

When you are one totally surrendered, that will influence others life, to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

May you and I be found such a one. God bless you.