“When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” – Luke 5:4-5
Peter’s livelihood depended on his ability to catch fish. And on that day when Jesus used his boat as a stage for the audience he was speaking to on the shore, we can sense the sheer frustration. He probably had a million thoughts running through his mind.
I’m not sure how many more days like this I can endure. I owe people money. I need to put food on the table. I need new nets. I have a wife to support at home. I’m broke, and I’m running out of options, Lord... I could sure use some help.
The last thing Peter wanted was to spend another single hour on the lake. He was exhausted and disinterested. His mind was probably already at home resting in bed. But this curious teacher who people gathered to listen to was on his boat, wasting his time.
“Go out a little further into the deeper water, Simon. Let down your nets,” Jesus said. v4
Peter could’ve easily said, “No, I think I’ve had enough for today. I’m going home.” But something told him to listen to what this teacher had suggested.
And listen he did. And because he listened, his life would be forever changed. Luke goes on to say that no sooner than Peter had lowered the nets, thousands of fish swam right into them. There were so many that the nets began to break. His fellow fishermen from his team raced over to help him haul in the catch of his life!
Had this been me or you, any number of selfish thoughts would’ve probably come to mind.
I can buy another boat and expand my business! I can pay off all my bills! I can take a few weeks off and go on that vacation I’ve always wanted! Maybe I can hire this guy and add him to my crew!
In that very moment however, Peter completely forgot all about his miraculous catch. He wasn’t thinking about all of the bills that had just been paid. He’d forgotten all about how tired and frustrated he was.
“When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh Lord, please leave me – I’m such a sinful man.” – v8
He had just witnessed a miracle from God, on his boat! He knew then and there that this man named Jesus was incredible. He knew in that moment that he was unworthy to be in this man’s presence.
When Peter realized who Jesus was, his natural response was one of complete submission and humility.
Friend, what does your response to Jesus look like today? Is it one of total submission and humility, like Peter’s? Or is he just a curious teacher looking for a stage on your boat?
Peter left everything behind that day to follow Christ.
Will you?
Former Blackout Artist 