Text:
Luke 5:1-6
Memory Verse:
“But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net’” (Luke 5:5).
Life can be a toil except God lightens one’s burdens. Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 2&4,raises several issues about the wisdom in excessive toil. He mentioned the time, effort, sacrifice and the inadvertent need to leave what one toiled for to someone who did not labour for it. The labour
involved in eking out a living is enormous. Even Paul, an evangelist, was not spared the toil (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
Simon and his friends understood the disappointment arising from toiling all night and catching nothing. Though seasoned fishermen, their expertise and toil yielded nothing, until the Master of the oceans, earth and sky gave them specific instructions. Wisely they gave in, deferring to Him, and reaping the huge benefits!
Have you been toiling without appreciable success or results? There is another way to live. Just depend on the all knowing God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He who feeds the ravens and clothes the lilies has promised to take care of you (Luke 12:22-28). He is able to lead you along a less burdensome path.
Sing and pray along with B. Mansell Ramsey (1919): “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach me Thy way! Thy guiding grace affords; teach me Thy way! Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight; Lead me with heavenly light; teach me Thy way.”
“When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way; When storms overspread the skies, Teach me Thy way. Shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil and pain; make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way!”
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, my toil must never be in vain.
2. O God, help me to always obey Your instructions.
