The necessity of human agency
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"Put out into deep water—and let down the nets for a catch. Simon answered—Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because You say so—I will let down the nets." Luke 5:4, 5
We learn from this narrative, the necessity of human agency. The catch of fish was miraculous—yet neither the fisherman nor his boat, nor his fishing tackle were ignored; but all were used to take the fishes.
Just so in the saving of souls—God works by means; and while the present economy of grace shall stand, God will be pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. When God works without instruments, doubtless He is glorified; but He has Himself selected the plan of instrumentality as being that by which He is most magnified in the earth.
Means of themselves, are utterly unavailing. "Master, we have toiled all night—and have caught nothing!" What was the reason of this? Were they not fishermen plying their special trade? They were no novices—they understood the work.
Had they gone about the toil unskillfully? No! Had they lacked industry? No—they had toiled. Had they lacked perseverance? No—they had toiled all night. Was there a deficiency of fish in the sea? Certainly not, for as soon as the Master came—they swam to the net in shoals!
What, then, is the reason? It is because there is no power in the means of themselves, apart from the presence of Jesus!
"Without Him—we can do nothing." But with Christ—we can do all things. Christ's presence confers success!
Jesus sat in Peter's boat, and His will, by a mysterious influence, drew the fish to the net. When Jesus is lifted up in His Church, His presence is the Church's power! "I, if I am lifted up, will draw all men unto me." Let us go out today on our work of soul-fishing, looking up in faith, and around us in solemn concern. Let us toil until night comes, and we shall not labour in vain; for He who bids us let down the net—will fill it with fish!
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