Main Point and Overview:
The story of Peter is relatable to almost any disciple of Jesus. Why might you ask? It’s because of his “ups and downs” experience on his “journey of faith.” At one time, Peter had been a professional fisherman. Then, Jesus changed his life, and he left that profession to be an evangelist – “fisher of men!” The powerful story of “The Catch” is the watershed moment of Peter’s life. Like many people, he had in the past been intrigued with Jesus’ teachings and interested in seeing him perform miracles. There was a point where he initially followed Jesus only to eventually go back to what was comfortable – his fishing profession. Until, one day when Jesus “called” Peter to “once and for all” follow him. Many people are “interested” in Jesus as long as it’s not going to cost them anything. They enjoy his parables through the Gospels. They believe in his moral teachings as long as they fit their personal agendas. They use Jesus as a bit of a cultural moral code for how to treat the “poor” and those less privileged. Like a benevolent grandfather, they see Jesus as someone who is meant to make their lives better and simply easier. They miss the real Jesus. Jesus had a plan for Peter’s life, and it began with full surrender. What are you holding onto that is keeping you from sincerely following Jesus? For many people it is the pursuit of power, prosperity, prestige, &/or popularity. They are not really interested in the sacrifice and service it takes to be a “Jesus Disciple.” Peter was a “good guy” by all societal measures. He was a faithful husband, a religious guy, a hard worker, and a faithful friend. He was lost in his sins. He needed a Savior, and he needed to follow the Lord. In a strategic moment, Jesus went right to Peter’s boat as he was fishing and asked to use it as a type of amphitheater to preach to the large crowd that had come to hear him by the seashore. When he was done, he told Peter to “push his boat out for a catch of fish.” Peter had been fishing all night with little to no success, and he saw this as pointless, yet he obliged Jesus. What happened next forever changed Peter’s life as he saw the possibilities beyond human comprehension. What about you? Make no mistake, it wasn’t about the number of fish that came into Peter’s boat; it was about the power of Jesus that Peter began to finally understand. The kind of power capable of forgiving sins and changing lives! That is exactly what Jesus came to do! Has he changed your life? Because if you’re willing to trust him for salvation, the possibilities are endless!
Posted in Devotional