Luke 5:4–5
“After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down
your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night and
caught nothing, but at your word I will let down the net.”
On the believer’s journey, God’s commands often seem to conflict with common sense and human experience. God’s Word frequently opposes basic human instincts—commands to love enemies, not to repay evil, to pray for those who hurt us, and to forgive unconditionally. These principles are often judged illogical, yet it is precisely here that the obedience of faith is tested.
Simon Peter was a professional fisherman; his experience in fishing was beyond doubt. He knew the best times to catch fish, the natural conditions that supported them, and strategic locations. After a night of fruitless labor, Peter was tired and discouraged. It was then that Jesus approached and even used his boat as a platform to teach the crowds. When the teaching was finished, Jesus gave an instruction that technically contradicted Peter’s professional knowledge: go into the deep and let down the nets in broad daylight. Rationally, this command seemed absurd. From the experienced fisherman’s perspective, fishing in deep water during the day was almost certain to fail. In a modern context, Peter’s response is understandable as a struggle between exhaustion, prior failure, and strong professional logic. In such a situation, refusing the command appears reasonable and defensible.
However, the narrative’s crucial point lies in Peter’s response. Although he stated the reality of their failure—”we have worked all night and caught nothing“—he concluded with an attitude of obedience: “but because you say so, I will let down the net.” This sentence marks the shift from logic’s dominance to submission to Christ’s authority. Peter’s obedience was not based on understanding but on trust in the Person who gave the command.
In the believer’s life, obedience is often hindered by several main factors. First, past failures can breed pessimism and despair. Second, excessive reliance on human logic and calculation often produces arguments that delay or refuse obedience. Third, pride and personal ego—fear of others’ judgment—can prevent someone from doing what seems “unreasonable.” These three factors show that barriers to obedience often originate within the person. True obedience is tested when one does not fully understand the reason behind God’s command. If someone acts after first comprehending and agreeing, the action resembles rational consent and is transactional. By contrast, obedience of faith occurs when one follows God’s command even though it surpasses their understanding and logic. In this context, obedience becomes an expression of authentic faith.
Peter’s obedience produced more than material blessings in the form of an abundant catch. This event marked a turning point in his life, changing him from an ordinary fisherman into a disciple called to be a fisher of men. Thus, the greatest blessing of obedience is not the visible result but the transformation of character and the deepening of a relationship with God. Closeness to God brings new peace and a new direction in life.
This narrative affirms that God does not require humans to understand His entire plan before stepping out. What God desires is trust that His command carries authority beyond human logic, fear, and worry. From a faith perspective, logic is not to be eliminated but rather subordinated to obedience to God’s will. Therefore, the life of faith is determined not by how much one understands but by how willing one is to obey the God who is fully trustworthy.