Called To Follow
What a week we have just gone through! From the culmination of a fiercely contested Senate runoff election, to the attempt by certain members of the U.S. Congress to try and override the free and fair election of a U.S. President. But most significantly, I would dare say that the riots and insurrection we witnessed at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday was the most shocking of all. 5 people died in that misguided mass action, and so many found themselves hiding in fear for their lives. We, like the rest of the world watched on in horror and disbelief. More than anything, what we witnessed must serve as a caution to all of us regarding the dangers of following the wrong person. In our lesson this week we are reminded that our true and right calling is realized in obediently following Jesus. May God bless you to follow our Lord and may He direct your path in the richness of His glory.
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.” (Luke 5:4-5) Jesus had drawn many people to hear Him teaching the word of God, and the crowd was pressing around Him. So He got in Simon Peter's boat and told Him to push out away from the shore so He could teach without being crushed by the throng. After He taught, Jesus instructed Peter to go out further into the deep water and drop his nets to catch fish. Peter was a professional fishermen who had been fishing all night with no success. He objected to Jesus' directions based on his own knowledge and experience, but he was compelled to follow Jesus' instructions because of His authority. We are called to follow Jesus and give Him authority in our lives even when following Him goes against what we think is the best course of action for our lives.
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. (Luke 5:6-7) In obedience, Peter submitted to Jesus' authority, even though it went against his natural instincts and training. The result was great success where there had previously been failure. Peter turned over control of his fishing operation to Jesus and trusted His leading. And the result was a catch so great that he had to call others over to see and share in the blessing. When we trust Jesus to lead us, we will be witness to wonders we never expected or anticipated. And we should be compelled to share with others about how Jesus has blessed us.
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 5:8-11) Peter's wonder at what Jesus had worked in his presence, caused him to fall down and worship Jesus. And not only Peter, but all his companions were astonished, including two men who would become key members of Jesus' inner circle of disciples (James and John). The miracle that Jesus worked in response to Peter's faith and obedience caused Peter to become aware of his sinfulness. And he feared for his life in the presence of the Lord's holiness. He asked Jesus to go away from him lest he be consumed and die, but instead, Jesus presented Peter with his calling...He would no longer catch fish for the community, He would "catch" people for the kingdom. The scripture passage ends by saying they "left everything and followed Him." Jesus calls us to leave everything behind that keeps us from following Him.
Too many people are too caught up in following people and things that will only disappoint, frustrate and lead them astray. We put our faith in people, places and things that can not sustain us. But when we are determined to stand on the solid rock of Jesus and we commit ourselves to follow Him, He can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can think or ask. Contrast that with those who were determined this past week to serve the interests of Trump and follow chaos and confusion into the nation's Capitol building. All I can say about that is this, if you follow a fool you are a fool yourself. So... As for me and my house we will follow and serve the Lord!
I'll see you in Sunday School!
Blessings
