Lessons from Peter’s Calling – Obedience

“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.”

Luke 5:4-5

It is often difficult for us to accept advice from others, especially when we believe we know better. As the saying goes, "The trouble with good advice is that it usually interferes with your plans." Through Peter’s calling to serve and minister with Jesus, we learn valuable lessons that are applicable to our lives. One lesson is watching Peter grow in learning to take advice from the Lord. Like Peter, we too need to grow in listening to and obeying the Lord, even when we think we know better.

Peter, being an experienced fisherman, knew the best locations and times to go fishing. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, was very familiar to him. He knew that fish usually retreated to the bottom of the lake during the day to stay cool. This is the reason he spent the night fishing. Like Peter, we too may have extensive knowledge in a particular area, yet we still need the Lord’s heavenly wisdom.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”[1]

In Luke 5:4-5, Jesus asks Peter to do something that is not only unexpected but also requires faith. He tells Peter to go back out and fish again. We might expect Peter to say, “Who are You? I have been doing this for many years. I know what I am doing. You are just a simple carpenter.” Following Jesus’ instructions would require Peter to not only reflect humility but also demonstrate obedience to the Lord’s Word. The times when it's most difficult to obey the Lord are when His instructions do not make sense to us. In time, Peter would need to grow in his trust of the Lord and His Word. And that is exactly what we begin to see in Peter. Peter simply states, "But I will do as You say.” What faith! What obedience! Peter acted solely on the basis of Jesus’ word. May we learn to be more like Peter by simply responding in the same way.

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”[2]

Taking advice is not always easy, especially when we think we know best. One lesson from Peter’s calling is the importance of humility in taking the Lord at His Word. The Lord’s instructions to us will not always make sense or be easy, but we must be obedient regardless. Blessings will come when we are obedient to the Lord and His Word.

Lord, what an example Peter provides for me in these verses. While not perfect, Peter did not question or complain about Your instructions. May I, like Peter, grow in simply taking You at Your Word, knowing Your ways are always best. Amen.

[1] James 1:5 NASB 95.

[2] John H. Sammis. “Trust and Obey.”