The greatest business book I have ever read is the Bible. In fact, media, storytelling, and business lessons can all be found from Genesis to Revelation. I’ve discovered in my study time that I read my Bible through the lens of my profession, the stories of entrepreneurship and business leap off of the pages. Such as the case with the story in Luke 5. In the account, Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret when a crowd gathered to hear Him teach. I want to share with you a few of the business lessons I learned from the Luke 5 account as it pertains to life and business.
“He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.”
- Lesson: Jesus wants to partner with your business. This is an example of a collaboration. Jesus gives us a blueprint on how this should be done. It is a win-win for both parties in business. Jesus needed a boat, Simon Peter needed fish, more on that later.
“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
2. Lesson: Sound seems to be amplified when it travels over water. Scientists say the water cools the air above its surface, which then slows down the sound waves near the surface. This causes refraction or bending of the sound wave, such that more sound reaches, in this case, the shoreline. Jesus used the water to carry his voice to the people on the shore. There is a shore of people waiting for you. How are you amplifying your voice?
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
3. Lesson: In this verse, we see how Jesus used an entrepreneur for ministry. This is a great reminder that our work in business can be worship to the Father. Just imagine, Simon Peter and his partners fishing and Jesus comes along and says let me use your boat for ministry. This is a great example, that as Kingdom believers to use our business as a place where God can dwell. Your business is a place to amplify His voice to those you have an ear with.
“When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “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.” “When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
4. Lesson: When you let God in your boat, He will teach you/show you where the fish are or in our modern-day context, where the clients are. Praise the Lord! But here is the other piece, Simon Peter had to be obedient. Disappointment and fear can prevent us from our blessing. Just because you did something before, Look again! Because of this fisherman’s obedience to follow instructions, he yielded more business than he could handle.
“When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
5. Lesson: Can we say overflow? When we give our business over to God, not only will He teach us how to fish, where to fish, and when, but also Jesus will cause so much overflow, we have to bring in help. Wow! Wouldn’t it be great to have so much business that it breaks forth? It is totally possible for them that believe.
“Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
6. Lesson: Nothing with God is wasted. He can take your profession and use that as a witness for the Kingdom of God. While God can teach us how to fish for our clients, He can also show us how to use those same skills to capture people. This means He will give you the wisdom to fish in life and business.
There are so many wonderful stories such as this one in the Bible to support us stewarding what has been given to us. So grab your net or fishing rod, and get ready for the overflow in your life and business.