Article June 2, 1945 Issue

"Launch out into the deep"

D. MURIEL SAVARY

"Launch out into the deep," was Christ Jesus' command to Peter at the very moment when human reasoning loudly proclaimed that it was useless to strive further to fill his nets. Having spent a night of fruitless toil on the waters, Peter's comment was somewhat skeptical, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5). But when they drew in a draught of fishes so mighty that the ships began to sink, Peter impetuously declared, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

But Jesus did not heed this self-condemnation any more than he had taken account of the belief in failure. He spared no time for the human sense of self with its ups and its downs, its pride or its self-abasement, its praise or its blame. Not only to Peter, but also to two others in that small group of fishermen—James and John—came the Master's instant reply, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." We are told that, hesitating no longer, they forsook all to become his disciples.

Temptation comes to many in these troubled days to feel that further efforts to keep above the waves of discouragement, disillusionment, or heartache are utterly useless. "You have toiled long and in vain," suggests the tempter. "There is no longer any goal of human happiness or attainment to labor for," whispers the serpent. But at the very same moment, clear and imperative comes the Christ-call to awake from the apathetic despair and false introspection of the might-have-beens. "Launch out into the deep," it cries encouragingly.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Prove It for Yourself
June 2, 1945
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit