ICS Daily Devotions
God is Omniscient
As human beings, we sometimes struggle to understand God’s omniscient nature with our finite minds.
John 21:3,6 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing…And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
The disciples were at the Sea of Tiberias fishing when Jesus appeared to them once more before His ascension. Some of them were fishermen before. Jesus had already instructed them to go forth and preach, but perhaps they were looking to make some money first by going fishing. Similarly, could we also be tempted to go back to our old trade while God might be calling us to do something else?
Mark 10:29-30 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time…”
The disciples had left everything — profession and source of income — to follow Jesus, but Jesus assured them that they would be provided for in the ministry through the body of believers.
Having spent the entire night fishing and caught nothing, they were asked by Jesus to cast their net on the right side. Not many people appreciate professional advice volunteered by amateurs, and these fishermen were no exception, but could it be possible that Peter obeyed because he’s had a similar experience before (Luke 5:4-6)?
On both occasions, Jesus revealed His omniscient nature to the disciples — to the extent of knowing where the fish were — and provided for them, but only because the disciples chose to listen to Jesus’ instruction instead of relying on their own professional wisdom!
Would you be humble enough to be led by the Holy Spirit to step out of your comfort zone to where God is calling you? Would you learn from the disciples’ humility and obedience, and trust Him even if it doesn’t make sense? We need to acknowledge that our God is omniscient, and He is able to provide for us.
Sermon Series: 30 Dec 2018
