Does it take a miracle to follow Jesus? For some it may, and for others they will buy in because of the love and acceptance. Here in today’s story, we see a miracle, probably witnessed by many.
Picture the scene. Jesus had been teaching a huge crowd down by the lake. They were probably closing in, trying to hear better. Jesus sees an empty boat and all but “escapes” out into the water to preach to them from there. Perhaps his voice would also carry well.
Jesus used this then as a teachable moment for Peter, James and John. It is obvious from Simon’s words that he was familiar with Jesus as he called him “Master” and later “Lord.”
To go from catching no fish all day, to having two boats nearly sinking from the weight of fish had to be quite a sight to see. For those remaining at or near the shore, they, too, would have witnessed this spectacle. Jesus was setting up his invitation beautifully.
How did the fishermen respond? They left everything and followed Jesus. Did you wonder what happened to all the fish? Do you think they wondered what Jesus meant when he said they would be fishing for people?
How about you? What does fishing for people look like in your life? Are you throwing out a line with bait, trolling, or are you reeling in a boatload? We all have our jobs to do as followers of Jesus. All of us should be sharing our faith and “fishing” for other believers. Sometime we get so caught up in other acts of service that we forget what’s fundamental.
You know, I write these devotionals as my own reflection on the reading for the day. I, too, wrestle with the questions I pose and challenge myself to be a better follower of Jesus. If nobody ever read my words, I would know that I had truly had a special time with God as I wrote. But my dream and vision for how this devotional can be used is so much greater. I would like this to be my net that I am throwing out on the world wide web to fish for people.
Sometimes I need helpers in this venture who can throw my net out farther. We each have our own pool of “fish”. So, please share this with your people so that more “fish” can be reeled in as believers. We never know how God is going to use something. Our attempts may seem feeble and limited, but God has a way of multiplying. Just look at the number of fish (real fish) Peter caught when he was obedient to Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord I sometimes feel like my pool of people is small, and I want to tell the world about you and your love for us. Use my words to reach people for you. Let them hear of your great love for them. Use this devotional to reach those who know you but may have lost touch with you. Thank you for filling me with the desire to minister in this way and the boldness to share my heart with the world. I do this for you God, in thanks for all that you have done for me. Use it. Use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
