Hello
Have you ever stopped to think about God’s provision in seasons of lack? Imagine yourself in this situation…
… the story thus far –
Jesus was preaching by the Sea of Galilee and, on seeing Peter and his friends by the shore washing their nets (after completing their fishing for the day), He asked them to push away so He could have better vantage point from which to preach. After Jesus was situated in Peter’s boat, they complied.
Jesus preached/unpacked the Word and then gave Peter a new instruction – drop the freshly cleaned nets in the water (ie, try the new fishing hole). Although it was a bit ludicrous, no fish had been caught, they obeyed.
This time, the net was full to overflowing!
In fact, according to today’s Holy Nougat, the net was on the verge of breaking.
“And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!” Luke 5:6 NLT
So what would’ve been your response?
Remember;
– prior to Jesus’ arrival at the seaside, there was NO catch! They were washing the empty nets
Obviously this was a season of lack. Jesus’ request came when there was nothing left. Nets were washed after the catch was sorted and distributed. Even if they’d had fish, those were gone; with no hope of immediate replacement
– that the nets were clean meant nothing encumbered them
Clean Empty Nets were the best equipment for catching fish the way they did. It ensured a better quality catch of larger fish with less debris. Despite the circumstances of lack we might face, may our nets be ready for God’s provision
– the catch almost broke the Clean, Empty nets
What they caught, on heeding Jesus, far exceeded their needs and expectations. The same can be true for us.
In our seasons of lack; we often get consumed with the lack that we fail to prepare for replenishing. However, God’s grace is extended to us even when we are empty, unencumbered and without recourse; yet open to God’s provision. In our moment of surrender/obedience, we find ourselves with more than we can imagine.
And that’s the heart of our reflection today –
When God lavishes on us after a season of ‘lack’, what do we do with the excess? A serious consideration, although many of us would argue that we haven’t had surplus beyond our capacity to save. In answering, it might behoove us to realize that if the net broke,
– the boat would possibly sink under the weight of the fish;
– the fish would be released back in the sea
There is also the consideration for the other fishermen who were with Simon and Andrew. Could it be that sharing the catch was a worthwhile option? It is said that Abraham was blessed by God so he was not bothered by material needs when directed to bless others. While that may be a cliche, we know that Abraham tithed from his bounty to Melchizedek, king of Salem.
When blessed in a season of lack, how do we; how should we respond?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
