For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 5
Why do you think Jesus used this fishing miracle to call Peter and his partners? What was prophetic about it? What was the promise? Simon, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen. It’s what they did; it’s what they knew. Even so, they did not always succeed in their task. After an entire night of working in their own effort, they had come up empty handed. Then came Jesus. One simple act of obedience to Him accomplished what all their own efforts had failed to do, and with more abundance than was possible on their own. Isn’t that how it is with salvation? No amount of effort on our part can produce even a fraction of the righteousness needed for us to stand clean and holy before God. But one simple act of obedience in surrendering our lives to Jesus results in abundant life.
Jesus gave these simple fishermen His salvation message in a way that spoke to their hearts. But His message didn’t stop there. Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” (Luke 5:10b). This is how God’s salvation flows through us to others. And, just as it was with the fishing miracle, the work is the Lord’s, not ours. All we have to do is obediently cast the nets.
Ezek. 39-40
We read a couple days ago that Israel’s disobedience profaned God’s holy name. I mentioned then that, though Israel’s disobedience prevented Him from keeping His good promises to them, He would not have made a promise that He did not know that He could keep. The key point there being that it is God who keeps His promises.
We see that point again here in Ezekiel 39. God says here, “I will no longer let my holy name be profaned” (from Ezek. 39:7). God’s holy name is not dependent on anyone but God. Whatever took place that profaned His name, He allowed for a purpose. That purpose will ultimately make God’s holy name known to all nations because He will make a way to keep His promises in spite of His people’s disobedience. “I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name.” (Ez. 39:25b).
Prov. 27
What benefits do these proverbs ascribe to friends? What can our friends do for us? A true friend will help keep you accountable on your walk with God. In fact, Proverbs 27:5, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love”, states that active love will call a friend out when they are headed off the path. Of course, no matter how graceful the rebuke, it is going to hurt. Nobody likes having their pride checked. But that hurt, if it comes from the right place in a friend’s heart, is a good thing. And that friend loves you more than a multitude of people who tell you what you want to hear. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Pr. 27:6).