Verse:
“Simon answered, 'Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.' ”
Thought:
I know saltwater fishing pretty well. I am not an expert,
but I am confident that if there are fish where I am fishing, I can catch them.
Freshwater fishing on the other hand is different. You see, I am familiar with a variety
of gulf coast fish, their habits, their diets, which lures they might be attracted to,
even the way they hit your bait. But when I am fishing in freshwater, the bait or lure
I throw gets overlooked by the discerning fish. But, this is because I just don't know
much about freshwater fishing. Life and relationships can be so similar. We seek to know
and to be known, but don't always know how.
Hear the Good News, Christ not only knows us, but He also knows exactly how to get our
attention in ways that are not easily overlooked, so He might be fully known. The story
Simon Peter's Calling, along with Andrew and the Sons of Zebedee illustrate this point
beautifully. After teaching the crowd (v.3), Jesus gave a private and special lesson
to this fishing crew. He met them where only he could meet them, in the middle of the
lake, after an unproductive day fishing. Peter called Him “Lord”. Now
that's good bait.
When God reaches out to us, He knows what will get our attention, and like a good
fisherman, knows where we live, our habits, our diets, what we are attracted to, and yes,
even the way we respond. If God would go out of His way to reach out to
us, maybe we too should do the same. Maybe we should be reaching out to
others. But, just like fishing, it take some getting used to. We must get
to know who we are trying to reach, how to reach them and what we are going to
do once they are reached. Jesus' plan was clear, share the Good News. God
is restoring relationships, yours and mine, so draw near and live a new life,
one that has been restored.
Prayer:
Gracious God, thank You for such a gift, the gift of Christ. He brings to my life a direct line, direct access to You. In Your gracious love and mercy, You offer comfort and strength when it is needed. Help me to remember that you are the One who is in charge and in control. But most of all, thank You for all You have done and all You continue to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Grace & Peace
Rev. David Banks
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