Week 1 | Tuesday
Read: Luke 5:1-11
The way Jesus told Simon (later known as Peter) to follow him looks way different than how he tells most of us…well, probably all of us. Though, it does sound incredibly similar! Luke 5 begins with Jesus standing on the shore of a lake, teaching about God. People gathered around to hear what he was saying, and a couple of fishermen were cleaning their nets nearby. Jesus got into Peter’s boat and asked the fisherman to take him out a little way. Jesus sat in the boat with people standing on the shore. He continues to teach for a while, then tells Peter to cast his nets into the water.
Keep in mind Peter had just been washing his nets. He was done. As far as he’s concerned, there were no fish to catch. Not here. Not today. He replies to Jesus, “I’ve been at this all night and haven’t caught a thing.” Then, with six little words, Peter opens the door to a whole new world. “Because you say so, I will….”
Peter hadn’t committed to following Jesus yet. So far as we know, this is when they met. Yet, Peter was willing to do what Jesus asked – even though he was confident from his own first-hand experience that what Jesus told him to do wasn’t going to work. Then, it did! Peter let down his nets, and they immediately filled with so many fish that he had to call for help! So many fish that the boat started to sink!
So, they pull the boat to the shore, and Peter, realizing for the first time who Jesus is, falls to his knees, begs for mercy, and receives a charge. “Do not be afraid. From now on, you will fish for people.” In other words, I am for you and want to bring you on an adventure with me. Drop your experiences. Drop your expectations. Even drop your anticipations. Come with me and discover an overwhelming blessing – not a boat-sinking catch of fish, but a life-transforming mission for the entire world!
How did Peter respond? He and his partners James and John “left everything and followed Jesus” (Luke 5:11). Peter dropped the nets when and where Jesus told him to. Next, he dropped to his knees. Then, he dropped everything and followed.
Jesus extends the same charge to us. I am for you and want to bring you on an adventure with me. Drop your experiences. Drop your expectations. Even drop your anticipations. Come with me and discover an overwhelming blessing – not a boat-sinking catch of fish, but a life-transforming mission for the entire world!
Remember, God is faithful. He has been for all generations. He will supply your every need, so there’s no reason to hold on to your past, your stuff, or even your desires. Drop it all and walk into life with Jesus!
What is God saying to you in response to this story? What are some things you need to drop? Ask Him to show you how.