It's often difficult for us to accept advice from others, especially when we believe we know better. As the saying goes, "the trouble with good advice is that it usually interferes with your plans." In the gospels, we see Peter learning to take advice from the Lord in his calling narrative. Through Peter’s calling to serve and minister with Jesus, we learn valuable lessons that are applicable to us as well.
Peter, being an experienced fisherman, would have had extensive knowledge of the best fishing locations and times. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Tiberias, would have been very familiar to Peter. He knew that fish usually retreated to the bottom of the lake during the day to stay cool, so he had spent the night fishing.
In Luke 5:4-5, Jesus asks Peter to do something that is not only unexpected but requires faith. He tells Him to go back out and fish again. This would require Peter to not only reflect humility but also obedience to the Lord’s word. The times when it's most difficult to obey the Lord are when His instructions don't make sense to us at the moment. In time, Peter would need to grow in his trust in the Lord as well as His Word.
Luke 6:46-48
Luke 11:28
John 15:14
“What Jesus asked Peter to so was contrary to all of his training and experience, but Peter obeyed. The key was his faith in the Word of God “Nevertheless, at thy word.””[1]
Taking advice isn't always easy, especially when we think we know best. One lesson that we learn from Peter’s calling is the need to reflect humility by taking the Lord at His word. The Lord’s instructions to us will not always make sense, but we must be obedient regardless. Blessings will come when we are obedient to the Lord and His word.
“But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
Luke 11:28 (NKJV)
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] The Bible Exposition Commentary, pg. 187.