September 4 Holy Calling

Luke 4:7-11 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. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 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.”  11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
 
 HAVE you ever wondered how these fishermen could so quickly leave “everything” and follow Jesus? We all know the struggles of following our Lord. After all discipleship often requires we give up things we desire. Perhaps we even have to leave a good job, take less pay and do things that make us uncomfortable. Is it not a miracle that Peter, James and John would leave “everything”, including their business and possessions to follow a wandering rabbi? What would prompt them to such a dramatic change in their lives?
    The answer comes when we look at three things that had happened moments before Jesus’ invitation. First, the Lord had formed the miracle of an abundant catch of fish. The professional fishermen quickly realized a power beyond them had caused the catch. Second, Peter had responded as all men do when faced with God’s holy presence. He “fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” Standing before the Holy God, Peter was afraid his sin would condemn him. This is common for us, isn’t it? When we see our sin against his holiness, we often ask him to leave. Or we are fearful to go before him. Consequently, we are prone to avoid prayer. We delay confession and put God’s Word aside. Avoiding God’s perfection, we feel more at ease with our own shortcomings. In essence, we say to our Lord, “Don’t come too close.”
    The third reason the men followed Jesus is in Jesus’ words, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”  The Lord of Life does not judge, but he comforts and assures all men there that he has come to care for them. The miracle provided income and food. Now Jesus offers the miracle of his loving assurance and his companionship. He has come not to judge them. He has come, surely, to be their friend. The Living Word calls them to his side to walk with him and to join him in his work. Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!
    One day Peter, James and John would understand what Jesus meant to “fish for men”. Trusting the Lord, they would cast the gospel into the hearts of mankind to teach others of the Savior’s comfort, assurance and friendship. 
    Please know that these same miracles are for you. Consider, for example, how the Lord has provided you a job for your income and food. Jesus’ holy presence has come into your life through the Holy Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Our Lord offers his loving assurance of salvation to escape his judgment. He invites you to follow him, so you can know him and be his friend forever. Be humble to receive Jesus. Be eager to follow him.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to me in your holy majesty. On my knees I seek your forgiveness. On my feet I eagerly walk with you. Amen.