Luke 5:6-11 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke.… I. THE NIGHT OF DISAPPOINTMENT. 1. A most unlikely disappointment. 2. The disappointment of skilled men. 3. A disappointment in spite of devoted labour. 4. This disappointment was most disheartening. II. THE MORNING OF SUCCESS. 1. It was success that was not very probable. The best time for fishing had gone — the night. Not unfrequently the work of which we have least hope in the end gives us most joy. History of missions, e.g., to South Sea Islands. "In the morning sow thy seed," &c. 2. It was success through the use of the old means. 3. It was success in the old sphere. 4. It was success realized by the very men who had previously failed. 5. It was success consequent on the Lord's presence and on a believing obedience to His word. 6. It was success of the most complete character. 7. It was success in the joy and blessing of which others shared. Those in "the other boat" were called upon to help. 8. It was success which had the most gracious results. (1) Led to the adoring recognition of the Lord's presence and power (ver. 8). (2) Filled the minds of all with grateful astonishment (vers. 9, 10). (3) Was the pledge and promise of greater things (ver. 10), (4) Led to completest devotion on the part of those concerned (ver. 11). (R. M. Spoor.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.WEB: When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. |
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