Feb 26 Seeing Guilt and Grace; Forgiveness and Faith Are What “Jesus” Is All About
Luke 5
Peter was a fisherman by trade. We learn from Luke’s account of the call of Peter at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry that the fishermen fished at night. Time and experience taught them that fish in the Sea of Galilee would surface at night and hug the shore. Some scholars report that fishing was done with torch light, as it is done in many places with lights today – to draw the fish, as much as to see them.
But, alas, the professional fishermen were “skunked” (Grandpa Graf’s term) that night. No catch. You probably know that Jesus had requested Peter’s boat as a preaching and teaching platform. (Lk. 5:3) Peter offered what he could to help the Lord’s work, a stewardship lesson for us – among many scattered all over the Bible.
So when Jesus finished teaching, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Lk. 5:4) You probably know that Simon Peter offered a bit of self-justification, for already having cleaned and put away the nets. It was a one-sentence, quick but short-lived, protest: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!”(Lk. 5:5a)
What’s the very next sentence? “But at Your word, I will let down the nets.” (Lk. 5:5b) Now we know more about why Jesus called Peter. Peter heard, honored, made time and space for… and obeyed the word of Jesus!!!!! (That gets 5 exclamation points, one for each validation of Jesus’ word.)
The fruit of Peter’s faithfulness was just as quick as Peter’s obedience! Nets breaking and boats sinking!! Following Jesus’ word will have an impact – and come with a cost. But it also comes with deep blessings. “The righteous will live by faith!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we often disagree with You about trusting in Your Word alone.
Help us honestly confess our doubts yet grace us with Your Word’s power to win our stubborn heart,
causing us to respond with the obedience of faith. Amen.
