«Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net»(Luke 5:5).
THE HEBREW WORD kinor means «harp,» and it is believed that from it is derived the place name «Gennesaret» or «Kinneret.» The Lake of Gennesaret possibly received its name because of having a shape similar to the harp of Bible times, which was a lyre. In the book of John, it is also called the Sea of Tiberias. Fishing has taken place in this body of freshwater for centuries. And it was fishing what Simon, Andrew, James, and John had been doing all night without success.
As hard as they had tried and used their techniques as experienced fishermen, they had not managed to catch anything. I can imagine the impulsive Peter throwing out the nets over and over, with unceasing energy, seeking a way to reach their objective: to fill the nets with enough fish to be able to feed themselves and get some money. However, all their work was in vain. It is possible that Peter, at the end of his struggle, had a long and rough face because of the trouble of staying up all night, only to end up with such unfruitful results.
Then Jesus arrived and got into the boat of the frustrated Peter. «Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch,» He commanded (Luke 5:4). Peter said, » ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.’ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking» (verses 5, 6). This happens when Jesus is the One leading. This happens when people see themselves as cooperators with the Savior in His mission. Dear friend, leave your life in Jesus’s hands today and simply become His collaborator. If you are frustrated or fearful, He is the answer. Just as Jesus did nothing on His own, it should be the same for you: «I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me» (John 5:30).
Peter trusted in his work, in his efforts, and in his experience. When Jesus arrived, He tactfully showed him that his wrong ideas could be changed with His power. Tie night may seem very long to you, but at His word, cast out the net and trust in Him.