Things New and Old: Nevertheless, at thy word, I will...

Things New and Old

Ancient truths revealed in the Scriptures are often forgotten, disbelieved or distorted, and therefore lost in the passage of time. Such ancient truths when rediscovered and relearned are 'new' additions to the treasury of ancient truths.

Christ showed many new things to the disciples, things prophesied by the prophets of old but hijacked and perverted by the elders and their traditions, but which Christ reclaimed and returned to His people.

Many things taught by the Apostles of Christ have been perverted or substituted over the centuries. Such fundamental doctrines like salvation by grace and justification have been hijacked and perverted and repudiated by sincere Christians. These doctrines need to be reclaimed and restored to God's people.

There are things both new and old here. "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things" 2Ti 2:7.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Nevertheless, at thy word, I will...

Some lessons from Luke 5:1-11

"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. - Luke 5:5

"Nevertheless, at thy word, I will..."

Mark these wonderful words well; may the Lord hear them from us often. Amen.

Let the wisest, most knowledgeable, and experienced men humbly defer to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peter and other experienced veteran fishermen had returned from a long night of fruitless fishing.

Nevertheless, at the Lord's bidding, Peter reluctantly obeyed.

Lesson 1:
Blessings of hearing and obeying the Lord's commands no matter how His command may appear contrary to our experience and understanding.
- Peter was an experienced fisherman; he knew that it wasn't the best time for fishing. Nevertheless, he deferred to the Lord.

Look at these examples:
i. Joshua 6 - such an unusual way to bring down the wall of Jericho. The LORD God commanded Israelites to march around Jericho once for 6 days; on the 7th day, they were to go around 7 times, and on the 7th round they were to raise a shout to bring down the wall.

ii. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

iii. Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Lesson 2:
Success in their ministry depends on their obedience to His words, not on their own ability or strength.

Be mindful that our success or achievements is of the Lord.
- Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
- John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.