Luke 5

There are a few reasons I see in Scriptures of when God’s hand will move.  This is not comprehensive of course but and observation from Luke 5 that is applicable in our lives today.  Focusing in on Simon in this passage will reveal the doubts in his heart, but still he follows through with obedience.  After The Lord Jesus finished teaching He instructed Simon to move the ship into the deep part of the lake and there let down the nets.  Peter’s, aka Simon’s, response reveals the doubt in his heart nevertheless he lets down the nets and finds his obedience rewarded with an miraculous catch of fish. Why did Jesus do this?

• To settle the doubts in Peter’s faith.
• To increase Peter’s faith and those watching.
• To bring Peter to repentance by showing the goodness of God when he didn’t deserve it. v8

Other miracles often are for the same reasons:

• To reward obedience in spite the existence of doubts. Luke 5:4-6
• To reward genuine faith. Luke 5:20
• To produce faith where there is none. John 20:27

In the case of Luke 5 and Simon, no one was asking for this miracle, but The Lord did it out of His own sovereign purpose. The outcome however went according to the obedience of Simon.

Questions for the modern Christian:

• Will you obey regardless of doubt? v5
• Will you respond with grateful repentance when God moves? v8-9
• Will you forsake all and follow Him? v11