“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people 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 catch men.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:1-11 NIV)
Let’s be honest. It can be very scary to follow Jesus. I am not talking about “accepting” Jesus as your Savior. Actually, that can be pretty easy because, as we typically understand it, we admit to our sinfulness and a desire to change and, voila, we’re saved! It is the following part that usually hangs us up. I know lots of people who say they are saved but are not really following Jesus. Why? I think they are terrified. They are scared of where He might go and doubtful they are up to the task. They would rather stay within the confines of their own comfortable and familiar surroundings than risk the unknown.
Peter was terrified by the presence and power of Jesus. And He knew Jesus didn’t just drop by to assist his fishing business. Jesus wanted him as His disciple. Peter knew his weaknesses and remembered the failures of his past. He was a devout Jew, but a sinful man. How could he possibly follow this Man? Yet, how could he not given who this Man was?
At that point, Peter had a choice. He either could give into his fears or trust in Jesus. That really is the choice for each of us. Jesus has called us to follow Him wherever He may go, and we have to decide whether or not we will follow. Peter decided to trust Jesus in spite of his fears. What about you?
Today, know that Jesus would not call you to follow Him if He did not think you were up for it. For it is by His power, not your own, that you will be able to do what He wants you to do. The only thing He wants from you is to lay aside your comfortable, familiar life and follow Him. He will take care of the rest. The proof of this is seen in that fisherman from Galilee.
© Jim Musser 2011
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