Does Obedience Lead to Abundance?

February 06, 2022

Eternal abundance awaits you!

Does Obedience Lead to Abundance?

By Brooke Holt

“And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” – Luke 5:4-7

At this point in Luke’s narrative, Jesus has begun his public ministry. He was preaching in the synagogues, teaching the crowds, and healing many people. Interest had been aroused as indicated by the massive gathering there to hear him. To address such a crowd, Jesus boarded Simon’s fishing boat. After teaching, Jesus told Simon to push out from land so that they could do a little fishing. For most fisherman, this would be an ideal command. For Simon that day, it was quite a stretch.

Simon and his partners had spent the whole night fishing, and they had absolutely nothing to show for it or to sell in the marketplace that day. Fishing was not Simon’s hobby but his source of income. Needless to say, he was tired and likely discouraged from his night on the water.

Despite all that Simon was feeling, he chose obedience to the words of Jesus. Consider the challenge of that obedience. And so, they ventured out into the deeper waters and let down the nets. Immediately, those nets were filled with fish—and not just fish, but an abundance of fish. To bring all those fish to shore, Simon summoned the others to come and help. What a fabulous problem for a fisherman!

Even good problems have their challenges. There were so many fish that the boats were sinking from the weight of them, signifying the abundance of Jesus. When he gives a word, it is for our good; it is meant to be obeyed. Many people think that obedience requires sacrifice, and sometimes it does. Simon sacrificed his desire to go home and get in bed. Obedience also leads to the abundance of God—blessings, protection, guidance, God’s good and perfect will.

The Lord would have you know today that all his commands are for your good, all your obedience will lead to abundance, if not in this life, then in the life to come. Eternal abundance is what awaits you!

Reflection:
Are there areas in your life in which you still resist obedience to the Lord’s commands or convictions? Do you believe that obedience leads to abundance? Or are you still struggling with the needed sacrifice? Ask the Lord what he wants you to know about this abundance or sacrifice today. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Related Resource:

In our six-week small group Bible study on the book of 1 John, you are invited to live and celebrate true life in Christ. Throughout his first letter, John wrestles with the assurance of salvation. How do we know that we are genuine Christians, and how can we recognize authentic faith in others? The Apostle John taught that you can enjoy full assurance through believing in the incarnate Son of God, walking in the light of obedience, and loving God and his children. Embark on this study with us today!