Luke 5:5 And Simon answering said to him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing… I. CONSIDER THE FAILURE INDICATED. 1. They had "toiled." Everything in this world comes to be a "toil" after a time. Any kind of labour, whether of mind or body, and even pleasure, is devoid of permanent satisfaction. 2. "All the night." Incessant labour, with no result but failure. The process is familiar — (1) In personal life. After all our efforts and struggles, we confess with a sigh that we do not seem to grow any better. (2) In work for God in various spheres. Only failure seems to meet us. No decrease in moral evil; little advance. II. THERE MUST BE REASON FOR SUCH FAILURE. The general reason is the absence of Divine blessing. "Except the Lord build the house," &c. He alone is the Author of all good. But there are further considerations to be taken into account. 1. Perhaps God has not been present in our efforts. They may have lacked — (1) Simplicity of motive. (2) Earnestness of devotion. (3) Humble dependence and prayerfulness. 2. Human perversity may for a time be permitted to have its way. The reason for this is hidden now; we shall know one day why it is so. Or — 3. God may have withheld His blessing — (1) To try our faith. (2) To teach us how better to labour. (3) In order to some greater and more blessed result, e.g., Jacob. III. NOTE THE PERSEVERING OBEDIENCE OF FAITH. In spite of failure the apostles did not despair. So should it be with us. 1. The command of Christ is our warrant for labour. 2. And suggests the better performance of work. (1) Better preparation "cleaning nets." (2) Greater skill and care. (3) Deeper humility. Thinking less of our own part in the work. (4) More perseverence. (5) Stronger faith in the Great Worker whose instruments we are. 3. Such labour is bound to be ultimately successful. Because of His Word and our obedience. When, and how, we know not. In His time and way. But surely and certainly. (George Low, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. |
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