Business - a platform for God’s agenda
Jesus and the Fishermen
It was almost a usual afternoon of fishermen doing their thing by Lake Gennesaret. The activities of the fishermen cleaning their nets after a day’s catch was normal.
What was unusual was that Jesus was in the town preaching. In fact, the crowds were getting so large that Jesus had to create his own elevated pulpit… in the form a fishing boat.
We pick up the story in Luke 5:1 (read the full passage)
Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him [Jesus] and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; 2 and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets.
3 And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat.
4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.”
6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7 so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink.
Here are some key points to note:
The fishing boats became the platform for Jesus to teach. Likewise, our businesses can become the platform in which the Gospel of the Kingdom can be taught.
“I will do as You say.” Other versions state this as “Nevertheless at your Word.” Obedience to God doesn’t always follow human logic. In fact, our obedience is often required despite our reasoning. We can trust in His Word, that is our surest foundation.
“We worked hard all night and caught nothing… when they had [obeyed], they enclosed a great quantity of fish.” The economics of the Kingdom does not follow market forces. These fishermen would have been experts in their field, experienced in reading the waves and fish movements, and yet caught nothing under their ‘normal’ wisdom. Our Kingdom businesses are not bound by natural market forces.
“They signaled to their partners to come and help.” - because the number of fish were so numerous it was sinking their boat! The blessings and provision God provides is not just for us as individuals, but to bless those around us – our business partners, colleagues, co-workers, employees etc. It’s bigger than just one boat; bigger than just one business.
“Simon Peter fell down at Jesus’ feet saying “I am a sinful man” .” It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Simon saw the blessings and kindness of God (along with his power), and that led him to recognize who Jesus is.
Jesus response to Simon was “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Business is a platform that can help us recognise our calling and purpose in life. It can empower us to fulfil the dreams God has placed in us. Kingdom business should be an enabler for this – to give us time to pursue Kingdom agenda, not just be completely absorbed in the operations of business.
“They left everything to follow him.” This is the place of abandonment and surrender. There may come a time to walk away from business entirely for those who may eventually be called to do so (and not everyone is or will be). But in every circumstance, a heart surrendered to His ways and His will is to be our daily posture.