Just a few random thoughts from the bible today.
Luke 5:1-11One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee,[a] great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “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.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.
8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me. I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.
Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
1. Don’t be surprised if Jesus hijacks your livlihood. Q? Have you offer Jesus the pink slip to your life? Your career? Your Family? Your __________? If Jesus asks for your boat…give it to Him!
2. Chartering Jesus can change your life. Has Jesus asked you to take Him somewhere? I find it interesting that Jesus asked Simon to push the boat into the water so He could teach the crowds.
3. Jesus knows how to do your job better than you. This is an odd thought that some guy who lived 2000 years ago can understand my livelihood better than me but it is true. Jesus
4. Following Jesus will defy conventional wisdom. Simon was a fisherman by trade which means he knew the prime spots and prime times to catch fish. It’s what he did. Apparently, the previous night was a bummer and he didn’t catch a thing. On top of a bad night of fishing, Jesus wants him to head back out. Certainly if the fishing was good Simon would have known it and already been out.
5. Simon knew when to trust. I love the line where Simon says, “Master, we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” Is there something in your life that Jesus is asking for that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you need to say, “if you say so..”
6. You’ll need stronger nets and bigger boats. It’s obvious that Simon wasn’t ready for what was about to happen. Never has he pulled in a catch like this. The nets were tearing and the boat was about to sink. At that moment I can imagine Simon thinking, “we’re gonna need a bigger boat!” I think it’s worth noting that what Jesus did not only filled one boat but two.
7. The presence of Jesus makes us aware of the presence of Sin in our lives. Simply being with Jesus and witnessing this miraculous catch Simon was made aware of his sinfulness. Rather than Jesus kicking him out he invited him in.
8. Other were amazed. Simon’s partners were awestruck and amazed at what Jesus was capable of.
9. Don’t be surpised when Jesus asks you to leave your livelihood to pursue His. Be the best at what God has called you to be and Jesus just might invite you to change occupations.
10. Get going. Don’t drag your feet on this one. It is easy to say when I’ve got more money or more time I will do what God is inviting me to do. Get going. When did Simon start to follow Jesus? The minute the boat hit the shore. Don’t delay.
Get your nets ready. Get bigger nets and bigger boats. God is going to do something amazing. So amazing that those around you will be amazed and awestruck. Be ready! Be ready to say yes.