Because I said so!
Have you ever instructed your child to do some stuff and he/she screams back at you, “but why?” The reply that might’ve followed could be, “because I said so.” Great number of parents says this phrase more often than they would want to admit. Not because they like to but it just comes as a reflex action. Recently I was privileged to read the book, Jesus the one and only by Beth Moore, a publication of BillyGrahamMinistries. I came to a point where Beth vowed not to tell any of her children, “do it because I say so.” She’s a great mom, friend of Jesus Christ, a public speaker and writer; studied child psychology and development as well as possessed proven credentials of a good care giver. All these could not restrain her from making such demeaning comment. But she confessed she did more times than she could recall. She’s not alone. I’ve said it more times than I am willing to admit.
Most parents and adults raised and mentored by “old schools” may have said similar things. The first reason is that in their young ages it was a regular song of their parent. Secondly, it commands control though it may appear humiliating to children. Thirdly, it may not make meaning or give a constructive answer to a child’s question, ‘but why?’ Fourthly, most times it comes with anger, shouting, persuasion and screaming. Fifthly, it does not reflect the respect for the right of a child, etc.
Beth Moore’s exposition of Jesus encounter with Peter as recorded in Saint Luke Gospel Chapter 5 caused some rethinking. It dawned on me that some of the things we vowed not to do we end up doing them. We experienced slips off our lips and feel terrible after saying them. On the other hand, some are just necessary because it exposes us as imperfect beings. Again children’s behavior these days are unpredictable. In the days we were raised, we dared not ask our parents, but why? If we did, we got spanked or whipped; at worst receive punitive punishment with denial of rights. But today’s era appears different. Children think they deserve answers for every thing even when they ask in a wrong tone and manner.
Jesus arrived at the lake of Galilee; saw two boats at the edge of the lake and one belonged to Simon Peter. Peter was busy washing and rinsing his nets after a frustrating all night fishing expedition that yielded nothing. Jesus got into Peter’s boat and asked him to paddle it a little out of the shore to enable him preach to the crowd. Why He chose Peter’s boat was not instantly clear. Peter could’ve been more concerned about his bad outing. He lost sweat, night rest and made no money. When in such situations, we complain, murmur, grumble and sometimes scream. When we work at night, we get sleepy in the morning and do not like to be disturbed. If we had a bad night, so to say, we need quiet time to cool off and may take it out on anybody, as if they caused it. However, Jesus sat on the boat and taught the crowd the word of life. The boat served as a platform for Jesus to be seen and heard. He also enjoyed the natural lake breeze. Jesus’ first priority was about His Father’s business; to liberate the people from spiritual darkness into glorious light.
After teaching, Jesus then turned to Peter, asked him to put the boat into the deep water to unveil the impossible. Peter replied, I just had a full night of frustration; fishing without a catch but because you said so, I shall do. Peter knew Jesus has supernatural powers and does strange things. He identified Simon the first time they met and gave him a new name, Peter. Eventually, He made a home call and healed his mother- in-law of fever. He could be up to another surprise. I can’t play with this opportunity; so I acted according to His instruction.
However, Peter had reasons not to obey Jesus. First, he was an expert fisherman and Jesus, a rooky, that is carpenter. Again, as a fisherman, he knew fishes swim to the shores at night and yet he caught no fish all night. Of course, Jesus preferred preaching to the crowd than attend to Peter’s dry night. We could advance more reasons for our disobedience. But Peter understood the secret – obedience.
Peter must have been astonished at the outcome of his decision to obey Jesus. One act of obedience resulted to a life time catch. The net was too filled with fishes than he could handle. Peter’s helpers did not find it easy to drag the net from the water and the boat was getting drowned with water. Then Peter realized that physical strength would lead nowhere; he was dealing with the Son of Most High God that possesses extraordinary powers. He cried and fell at the feet of Jesus ….”I am a sinful man depart from me.” My problem is not what I do but who I’m – I mean my nature. “I sin because I am a sinner.” I’m not worthy to have fellowship with you. You are greater than what I thought of you even what I read and heard about you. Sir, I can’t cope with you; leave me alone. Peter cried, who shall help me? I’m lost and finished. In Isaiah chapter 6, the prophet had a glimpse of God’s presence and holiness. He witnessed a session of divine worship as the Lord sat on His throne. He cried and wept, I’m ruined and finished. Each time one comes in encounter with God, there’s impact, confession and surrender.
Until we have a close encounter with Jesus, reach a point of realization/unworthiness, a point of surrender, a point we acknowledge Jesus alone as our Lord and Savior, nothing else except Him, we shall continue to wallow in nothingness. Little wonder Peter testified in Acts 4:12, Salvation comes from Jesus alone. His encounter and various experiences with Jesus revealed this truth. God said through His servant Samuel ‘Obedience is better than sacrifice.’ The answer is because God said so. It does not depend on our college degrees, work experiences, and many years in the Church, etc. Jesus cares about our feelings and would dialogue with us. What’s involved is too mysterious to our feeble minds and ordinary reasoning. God’s way is not our ways; His thoughts are different from ours. Yet He has a plan to better and uplift us, to brighten our days and improve our understanding.
Peter abandoned his trade; even the multitude of fishes in the boat and followed Jesus. He knew he had a higher calling and needed to abide in Jesus. Brethren, leave your all to follow Him who is the author of life; seek Him wholeheartedly while it’s day. He will surprise you with His love and grace and mercies. Even though Jesus was an inexperienced carpenter in his natural disposition, He’s an all-knowing God and knows our jobs better than we do. For sure, Jesus and his father are always at work, it does not matter the time of day or night [John 5:7]. It could be, you’ve tried several times; prayed for years without answers but an act of obedience to the word of God will surprise you and change your doubts and preconception forever. Also, God honors our submission even when our only motivation is obedience. The same job if subjected to Christ’s authority would yield different result. For example: When you become a child of God, your efforts produce fruits and increase. Stop the “but why me and how can” reasoning; drop your hold and seek Christ; humbly obey Him. He rewards simple obedience.
Finally, you may not realize you’ve been struggling with God; you cannot win. Like Jacob He will dislocate your hip and make you limp. Like the children of Israel, your 40 days could become 40 years. For this reason Apostle Paul cried, who’re you Lord? He calls Him lord even when he did not know him. We cry in frustration, “Who except Jesus shall save us from this poor state?” Resolve to meet Jesus today and confess your sin and make Him your Lord and Savoir. He’s faithful and just and His grace is sufficient for us.