The Power of Obedience to God’s Word(Luke 5:1-11) 02.09.2025
- Pastor Jin
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Have you ever heard the saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword"? This well-known phrase emphasizes the power of words over physical force. A similar Eastern saying, "The tongue is sharper than a sword," highlights how words can deeply affect others. Across different cultures, there is a shared understanding that words and writing hold great power. But why is that? Words can influence individuals, inspire groups, and even change the world.
This idea brings to mind a childhood experience of mine. I was known as the "street leader" in my neighborhood. When I said, "Let’s go somewhere," the other children trusted and followed me. My words carried weight, not because I was the most knowledgeable but because two close friends believed in me. Without their trust, my words would have held no power.
This brings us to today's passage, where Jesus calls His first disciples—Peter, James, and John. At the time, they were fishermen who had labored all night without success. As they cleaned their nets, Jesus stepped into their boat to teach the crowd. Then, He gave Peter an unexpected instruction: “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
For experienced fishermen, this command must have seemed illogical. They had just finished an exhausting, fruitless night. Yet, Peter responded with, “Master, we have worked hard all night and caught nothing. But at Your word, I will let down the nets.” Despite his doubts, Peter obeyed Jesus—and the result was a miraculous catch of fish.
This passage resonates deeply with our lives and our churches. Like the disciples, we often work tirelessly—helping others, serving in ministry, striving to do good—only to feel as if our nets are empty. We may ask ourselves, “I did my best. What more can I do?” or “I gave my all, and it should be enough.” When faced with exhaustion and discouragement, we may feel tempted to stop trying.
The disciples, too, were weary. Yet, what did they do first? They listened to Jesus. Peter’s obedience came only after he heard Jesus' words. If he had ignored them, he would have missed the blessing entirely.
How deeply have we experienced the power of Jesus’ words in our own lives?
Do we trust in them above all else? Peter understood that Jesus' words carried power and authority. His obedience led him to witness an extraordinary work of God.
As Christians, we know the significance of God’s Word. However, if we do not actively listen and obey, its power remains unfulfilled in our lives. My prayer is that we all become people who unleash the power of God’s Word through obedience. May we listen closely, trust deeply, and experience His transforming work.
A Prayer for Obedience and Trust
Gracious and loving God,
We come before You with open hearts, acknowledging that Your Word carries power beyond our understanding. Like Peter and the disciples, we have labored through the night, striving yet feeling empty. Yet, You call us to trust in You.
Help us to obey even when it seems unreasonable. Give us faith like Peter, who said, “At Your word, I will let down the nets.” Teach us to lean not on our own understanding but on the strength and authority of Your promises.
Lord, we confess that at times, we hesitate to listen. We grow discouraged by what we see and fail to trust in what You are doing. Renew our faith so that Your Word takes root in our hearts and guides our actions. May we not only hear Your voice but follow where You lead.
We pray for our churches and communities. Even when we see people walking away, even when our efforts seem fruitless, remind us that the harvest belongs to You. Strengthen us to persevere, to continue casting our nets, and to trust in Your unseen work.
May we experience the power of Your Word in a new and mighty way. Let it transform us and overflow into the lives of those around us. Use us to share Your love, truth, and grace with a world in need.
Thank You for the power of Your voice, the depth of Your wisdom, and the strength You provide when we place our trust in You. May we live each day in faithful obedience, walking by faith and not by sight.
In Jesus’ powerful name, we pray. Amen.
