Philippians 1:20: [J.B. Phillips]
…now, as always, I should honour Christ with the utmost boldness by the way I live.
Launch Out
“Launch out into the deep,
And let down your nets for a draft.”
The master’s command resonated
O’er the lake, as they sat in the craft.
“But Master, we’ve toiled all night,”
Peter’s complaint came back over the waves.
“In these waters we’ve taken nothing,
And from our labors, we’ve nothing to save.”
“Nevertheless,” he continued reluctantly,
“At your word, I will let down the net.”
But I don’t think that we’ll catch a thing,
He might’ve said under his breath.
But, heavens above, what happened?
They enclosed a great bounty of fish!
Their net broke with the exceeding abundance,
More than fisherman ever could wish.
So good Christian, don’t ever falter
In your doubting and fearful estate;
Launch out in your calling and service,
Expect God’s reward to be great.
For “safe” harbor is no place to wallow,
You won’t catch anything there.
Throw off the bowlines and set sail—
Breathe deep the refreshing sea air!
God’s bounty waits there for the claiming,
Our labors will ne’er be in vain,
As we serve Him new vistas are waiting
For the Master provides richest gain!
