(Read Luke 5:1-11)
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. Yesterday we took a look at Simon Peter’s chance encounter with Jesus at the shore of the Sea of Galilee. During the encounter Simon gave his time, talent and treasure to Jesus’ ministry. In return Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, allowed Simon to reap a harvest for his fishing business. Simon hauled in a net-breaking, boat-sinking load of fish. When he did, when Simon took a moment to think about what had just happened, he was overwhelmed. If he was not yet convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, he was convinced at that moment. Simon fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!”
So what does this mean to you today? Two things.
1. God can use natural blessings as a spiritual witness.
a) Jesus used a natural blessing (the load of fish) to serve as a spiritual witness to Simon Peter. If Simon had doubts about Jesus before the event, all the doubts were erased when he hauled in a net-breaking, boat-sinking load of fish.
b) Our spiritual God is not opposed to using natural success as a witness of His power.
c) God will bless your business if that’s what it takes for you to recognize His power in operation. God is more concerned with your soul than your bottom-line. But He is not opposed to increasing your bottom-line if it will get your attention long enough to save your soul.
d) God will bless you and your business to serve as a witness for others. As a result of net-breaking, boat-sinking load of fish, not only was Simon led to become a disciple, but so were Simon’s partners: James and John.
e) Open your heart to all God wants to do IN and THROUGH you. He is not opposed to giving you the grace for uncommon success in the earth, because He can use your earthly success to help lead people to heaven.
2. The goodness of God can lead to repentance.
a) In Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome the Apostle taught about the goodness of God. He then explained that God’s goodness and kindness can actually lead people to repent of their sin (Romans 2:4).
b) Jesus gave Simon a natural blessing, a load of fish, and in turn Simon acknowledged his sin. Simon fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!”
c) Simon experienced what many of us experience — a God who blesses us so richly that we can’t help but feel unworthy. Simon thought about the goodness of God exhibited to him through the load of fish, he then thought about his sin, and he felt so unworthy. Sometimes God uses natural blessings to lead us to a change of heart.
d) God does not bless us because we are so good. God blesses us because He is so good. God blesses us by His unearned and amazing grace!
e) God will be better to you than you deserve to show You His love. He wants you to know how much He loves you, cares for you, and is committed to the plans He made for you before the world began.
f) When God blesses you in a way that far exceeds what you consider your performance to merit, the proper response is simply to praise to name and worship His person!
*** This morning take a moment to think about God’s goodness towards you. Now repent, give Him praise, and worship Him with your life and living today.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. As I attempt to live each day by faith, it is Your goodness towards me that keeps me going. You have been far better to me than I deserve. If you only gave me what I deserved, I would be a man-most-miserable. But You don’t give me what I deserve. You give me what You want to give me. You bless me richly by Your unearned and amazing grace. Your goodness leads to repentance. I think about all You have done for, in and through me, and I can’t help but give you praise. You now use me to help lead others to You. You freely bless the work of my hands, so my earthly success can lead others to heaven. I am blessed and I will continue to be, because my earthly success serves as a Spiritual witness of Your love and power. When people see me, and what You are doing through me, they will see You and call upon Your name! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
