“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 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. 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.’
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. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
“Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11
Jesus had His eye on Simon Peter. He knew the fisherman’s personality and what He intended to refine and develop in him as an apostle and eventual church leader. He chose his boat, and spoke to him directly to bring him to the point of commitment. Peter had already washed his nets from a night of fruitless fishing, so the Teacher’s command seemed unnecessary, even ridiculous. But out of respect, he let them down again.
When Jesus speaks, He means deeper business than we assume on the surface. Peter, having acknowledged his own failure, now fell before his Lord. Astonished at the divine haul of fish, he was humbled in his human limitations of capability and imagination. This Master was worth following.
The Lord has a majestic way of revealing our failure at flesh fruitfulness and bringing us to our knees. His design for us to follow Him begins with our acknowledgement of personal helplessness and destitution and desperate dependence on Him alone. We can’t wholly follow until we’ve failed, and fallen before Him. Time and again the scriptures tell this gospel message. (Luke 5:12-13; Acts 6:26-33; Romans 3:23)
Do we go about our days with zealous purpose in our own efforts? Are we satisfied checking off lists, but lacking significant spiritual fruit? Where have we toiled with little to show, but seen great results when done for Christ? For what specific areas of work, interactions, ministry, decision-making, future planning will we seek the Lord’s direction and blessing? What deeper lessons and motivations is He enjoining us to incorporate into all we do?
Lord, keep me honest and earnest in every effort, that I willingly follow You, act at Your behest, and always expect Your glory in the results.
As the rain and snow 