Just Before the Miracle
Let’s take a moment and talk to Jesus.
Jesus, You are good. You are loving and kind, forgiving and empowering. You alone hold the keys of life and death and You are the God of all miracles. Lord, help us today to see Your love, even in a story about fish! Thank You for all that You have done and are doing. Amen.
Yesterday we talked about Simon Peter and the miraculous catch of fish. In truth, we only told half the story so we’d better finish it today. Jesus told Simon Peter to push out into deeper water and lower his nets. Even though Simon Peter had other reasonable options, this was his response:
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:5-8, NIV)
friend, Simon Peter got his miracle and his first response, after it happens, is to disqualify himself from any future connections or miracles! My friend, we often experience the miracles of God’s grace, His mercy and His power, and then we immediately are taken captive by shame. I want to remind you, salvation comes from Jesus, shame comes from the devil.
This is what I love about this fish story! Jesus doesn’t see Simon Peter as a failure, or a broken sinner. No, Jesus sees Simon Peter as a man who has unlimited potential and can accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. My friend, Jesus sees you the same way. And there is more! Instead of criticizing Simon Peter, or chastising him for past failures, Jesus offers Peter a change of life purpose and passion.
“Then Jesus said to Simon, ’Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:10-11, NIV)
friend, Jesus has a plan and a purpose for your future, no matter what has happened in your past. In Jesus, there is forgiveness for the past and hope for the future. And there is more! Jesus can take your story and use it to reach other people.
As I close today, I would love to ask you two questions, “Have you disqualified yourself because of your past? You don’t have to because when you ask for forgiveness, Jesus can wash you as white as snow through his mercy and grace. Second question, “Who is Jesus asking you to share your Jesus story with?”
My friend, if you use the same courage and faith in Jesus that it took for Peter to let down his nets, you may find that the person you share with will experience the miracle of salvation just like you did! Be a fisher of people today. Leave everything behind and follow the purpose of God in your life today and never forget...
You are a miracle!
