Launch out into the deep (Luke 5:4) How deep he does not say. The depth into which we launch will depend upon how perfectly we have given up the shore, and the greatness of our need, and the apprehension of our possibilities. The fish were to be found in the deep —– not in the shallow water.
So with us, our needs are to be met in the deep things of God. We are to launch out into the deep of God’s Word, which can open up to us such crystal fathomless meaning that the same words we have accepted in times past will have an ocean meaning in them, which renders their first meaning to us very shallow.
Into the deep of God’s Word, that it becomes an omnipotent balm and food and medicine for the soul and body. Into the deep, until it becomes a bright. dazzling, sweet, fathomless summer sea, in which we bathe and bask and breathe, and lose ourselves and our sorrows in the calmness and peace of God’s everlasting presence. Into the deep, until we apprehend it in its infinite minuteness and goodness, and its far-sweeping provision and care for us.Into the deep, until He becomes a bright, marvellous answer to prayer, the most careful and tender guidance, the most thoughtful anticipation of our needs, the most accurate and supernatural shaping of our events. Into the deep of God’s purposes, until the mental eye is dazed with light, and the heart flutters with inexpressible anticipation of its joy.
Into all of these things God bids us launch. He made us and He made the deep, and to its fathomless depths He has fitted our longings and capabilities.
Its streams the whole creation reach
So plenteous is the store
Enough for all, enough for each
Enough forevermore.
The deep water of the Spirit are always accessible, because they are always proceeding. Will you not this day claim afresh to be immersed and drenched in these waters of life ? The waters in Ezekiel’s vision first of oozed from under the doors of the temple. Then the man with the measuring line measured and found the waters to the ankles. Still further measurement, and there was water to the knees, and again to the loins. Then they became waters to swim in —— a river that could not be crossed over.How far have we advanced into this river of life ? The Spirit would have a complete self-effacement. Not merely ankle-deep, knee-deep, loin-deep ——- But self-deep. We ourselves hidden out of sight and bathed in this life-giving stream. Let go the shore-lines and LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP.
SPEAKZEASY 