Have you ever fished all night? Have you fished and not caught anything? I can remember fishing all night one time when I was a kid. We caught one fish between the four of us. I couldn’t wait to go home and go to bed.
Peter, Andrew, James and John were fisherman; not as a pastime but as a profession. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Can you imagine how tired they were and how disgusted they may have been because of their lack of success? They were cleaning their nets, calling it a day when Jesus shows up.
He asked Peter to push his boat a little ways out into the water. He then began to preach to the multitudes that came to hear Him speak. What was Peter thinking? Was he excited to hear what Jesus had to say? Or was he thinking, how much longer? I’m tired and want to get some sleep!
When Jesus finished preaching, he told Peter to launch out into the deep and to let his nets down for a catch. Peter responded, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5) Considering his circumstance, how optimistic do you think he is at this point? But the catch was so large that it almost sank two boats. The miracle revealed his heart condition before a Holy God. He said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8)
But Jesus didn’t depart. That’s grace! Now He had men he could use. Men that recognized their condition and their need. He didn’t rebuke Peter. He only called Him and the others to “follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt 4:19)
Peter may have made the catch of his lifetime, but it was he who was caught. When they came back to shore, they forsook all and followed Him. Jesus wasn’t looking for perfect men, just faithful ones. Who or what has caught your passion and life? Is it a nice house, cars, sports, education, or even family? Is it a good job and financial security? Or is it Him who graciously calls out to you, “Follow Me?”
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I invite you to follow as we continue to explore God’s amazing grace and the assurance of heaven to anyone who believes the gospel.
Assurance of Heaven 