“Launch Out Into The Deep”

“Launch out into the deep“ —Luke 5:4

    First Jesus said, “Thrust out a little.” Then, He commanded, “Launch out into the deep.” If Peter had not obeyed the first command, he would never have participated in a miracle.  Too many Christians remain in the shallow-water and then wonder why their boats are not full of blessing.  Launching into the deep means all-out commitment.

Christendom today is characterized by it’s shallowness. In the parable of the sower Jesus said the reason some bear no fruit is “because they had no deepness…” (Mt. 13:5).

To “launch out into the deep” requires faith.  It doesn’t take much faith to splash around close to the shoreline.  It’s a place to start for a beginner, but God intended His children to ultimately go to deep waters. Ezekiel 47 speaks of waters to the ankles, then to the knees, then up to the loins, and finally, waters to swim in.

If you have been sitting fretting over your own weakness, “Launch out into the deep” of divine strength.  If you are despairing over your own unworthiness, “launch out into the deep” of God’s bountiful grace, and let down the net of restful trust.  If you are floundering in the shallows of your own emotions, “launch out into the deep” of God’s faithfulness.

The big fish are in the deep, and those who launch out may hope to find them. God’s footsteps are in the deep, and there His wonders are seen (Ps. 107:24). Are you a preacher?  Then, like Paul, you will be all the better of being a “night and a day in the deep” before coming forth to the people.  Come with a heart filled with the treasures of the deep, the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:10).