| Because Jesus Says So - article by Joel Hempel In a recent blog by Mark Zimmermann (Editor from Creative Communications for the Parish), he brought my attention to one of Peter’s life-forming events early in Jesus’ ministry. As you will likely remember, the disciples were exhausted and discouraged due to fishing all night and catching nothing. As they rowed into shore, Jesus hollers, Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything; but because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:4-5, NIV). Anyone who has been or is a parent of little children has repeatedly used the line, “Because I said so!” It’s a fast-draw response that gets the job done without taking the time to explain why. “Why?” is frequently on the lips of the original as well as contemporary disciples. It is often our go-to response when something doesn’t make sense. But the commands of Jesus – though at times they don’t make immediate sense – are given so we can live an abundant and fulfilled life. Love your neighbor as yourself. Really? Why? The short answer is found in Carey Landry’s song, “Great Things Happen When God Mixes with Us (see lyrics below).” If we believe what Scripture teaches that God’s love for us is unconditional and everlasting, that he has a plan for each of us, and that he wants the best for us, then we want him to mix himself in, with, and under us because only good can come out of it. I love Peter’s response to Jesus. First, he wants to argue. After all, he is an experienced professional. But, by the time he gets to the end of the sentence, he has submitted in trust. Before Peter knew Jesus as Savior, he trusted him as Lord. You and I know and are eternally grateful for Jesus as Savior. But are we equally committed to him as Lord? That’s what he wants from us, not because he wants to order us around. Rather, he has our here-and-now well-being at heart. Indeed, great things do happen when Jesus mixes with us. Do you want to see how? Click on the link below. But I offer it with a warning. The last quote from Hebrews 5:9 in the video states, “[Jesus became] the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Yes, it is true; obedience is part of salvation. But obedience is what we are privileged and empowered to do by the grace of God. That is: We get to have Jesus not only as Savior but also as Lord of our lives. Because he says to love our neighbor as ourselves, we can trust great things will happen when we do. | 
