Master of Peace

Simon replied, "Master, we have been working all night long and caught nothing.  Yet if you say the word, I will let down the nets" (Luke 5:5).

Master - such power and peace in that word. I can sit and just rest in that word.  Simon is acknowledging Jesus' authority - not just his theological and God given authority but also a knowledge of fishing, something Simon has been doing not only all night, but his entire life.

Each time I read this verse, the word "master" pulls at my heart. It is a balm to my trials and worries. It's an ahh moment. I can rest in the knowledge that he is master, not me.

Simon's first sentence also makes me laugh. I can so relate. "Dude. We have been doing this ALL night. There's nothing to catch. Don't you know, we know how to fish."

Sometimes in life we are not prepared to listen to good advice. Sometimes we have heard it all and then some. With Jocie's illness, so many people have a suggestion. Have you tried gluten free? Have you had your air ducts cleaned? Have you tried a specialist? Is her specialist the best in the nation? Have you heard of probiotics?

And that's without reading the internet.

(And believe me - I so wish a probiotic pill or additive would clear all this up. She's been taking probiotics for years. I don't notice a difference at all. Yet, then I read there's so many different kids of probiotics. Aiyaya!!!)

I know they just want to help. Shoot - I am looking for an answer. But sometimes you just want to say - yes, I've tried it. It's NOT working. Just fix it.

Then there's Simon's second sentence. It matches with his acknowledgment of "Master." "Yet, if you say the word, I will let down the nets."

There is hope and reassurance in this verse.  Jesus is master of not just our spiritual lives but the whole package. He knows how to do our jobs so much better than we can imagine. He actually IS the love we share with others. It's the acknowledgment and release of control to Jesus that brings the peace I so desire.

Lord - when I am tired, frustrated, and out of my own options let me turn to you.  Lord, let me keep my eyes on you even before I run out of my own strength.  I am so limited.  You are so powerful.  Lord, be my peace and strength.  Amen.