I can't stop thinking about Sunday's lesson. Pastor Jay talked about the story of Simon Peter lending his boat to Jesus. Then Jesus telling Peter to go back on the water and cast your nets again. Even though Peter had no success fishing the previous night. He was tired. He was finishing his routine; washing out his nets. As I read the dialog, I'm guessing that he probably had some hesitation, maybe even a little burdened that someone wanted to use his boat. The dialog proves he didn't argue the point to not go back out to sea, but definitely made a point to mentioned to Jesus they had worked all night and still caught nothing (Luke 5:5). Probably a bit under his breath... as though Jesus didn't already know this. But Peter followed Jesus request with no hesitation "because you say so, I will let down my nets." Those are powerful words. Am I willing to surrender and let my nets down?
Can you imagine the feelings that Simon Peter had when he tugged on his nets and could not pull them in by himself because his nets were so full. I wonder if he thought for a split second that maybe his nets had hung up on a limb or rock or something. I know he believe in Jesus. He had already referred to him as Master once on this day before casting his nets. I can imagine there being glee in his heart... like pride while he was pulling his nets... I know I would. I would imagine for a few minutes, he got caught up in the tugging and joy of pulling in the catch.
In verse 8, it states that Peter realizes what has just happened ~ how Jesus has supplied his boats with over flowing fish. Peter falls to his knees... praising Jesus ~ seeing all of the sin in his life. He humbly tells Jesus, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" Peter sees what the Lord has done... another miracle.
Now, I imagine Peter feeling embarrassed and ashamed of his actions ~ first hesitation and probably a little doubt, then it turning into pride. I would imagine Peter was probably thinking to himself... I'm such a fool. Jesus calmly said, "do not be afraid, from this point on, you will be fishers of men."
Simon Peter did not hesitate... It says in verse 11 that they pulled up their boats, and left everything to follow Jesus. They had just hit the jackpot. They were at the peak of their fishing career. Their boats were overflowing. They had plenty ~ enough and then some!
This is exactly what I've been hearing... I'm in a place in life where I have everything I need and most everything I could want. I'm very comfortable where I'm sitting ..good career, good car, a little cozy house, a wonderful family, an amazing daughter... I can say that life is good. ...but I'm hearing... "turn everything over to me. Are you willing to walk away for me?" Now, I'm not saying I hear "walk away from my responsibilities..." I'm hearing "don't just lean on me... let me hold you. I want you to depend solely on me."
Jay put it so clear Sunday (paraphrased) ~ "just because you are comfortable... you are in the middle of life... are you ready to give that up... to fulfill God's purpose?"
Peter wasn't out looking for a journey or career with Jesus. Jesus gave him the opportunity to trust him and Peter did just that. Peter was living life... He was in the middle of a work day... cleaning his nets as routinely I'm sure he had done many times. Just as I am... wrapped up in my every day life of work, chores, etc.
Is God calling me to give it all? Yah, I believe He is... This is only the beginning... there's so much more in store. Right in the middle of living life I see how I am just now starting to live.
Lord, you are an incredible God! Each day you continue to give me more than what I had yesterday. Every day is a new morning, feels like I'm living for the very first time in my life. Your love is more real than anything! I have a feeling in my soul and I pray that I'm not wrong ~ that it is all You! The life that I have now is only the beginning! Lord, use me; send me! Thank you for finding me and realizing that I am not broken beyond repair. You give me breath, you give me everything I have! I cry out to you ~ for you are hope for the hopeless and strength to the weak. Blessed is the name of Jesus! In Christ precious name I praise you!
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