Fit for the catch!
Peter was a very busy man. He worked hard. He was faithful to his family and diligently worked to make sure that their needs were being met. He loved his family, and he loved his God. Young boys at the age of 5 would pursue their faith in God with heartfelt devotion. After attending school together, studying the Torah, and memorizing long passages, the top 20% would be chosen to continue their studies.
Those who excelled could continue their education while the others were sent away to pursue secular professions. The young men from 10 to 17 years of age who continued their education were taught the remainder of the Scriptures from Joshua to Malachi. At that time, they had to make a choice: do I want to pursue becoming a Rabbi? They would sit at the feet of the Rabbi they most adored, and the Rabbi would then ask them questions. If they passed, the Rabbi would invite them to be his disciple.
We’re not sure exactly when or how Peter gave up the dream of every young Jewish boy to become a Rabbi’s disciple. But we know that Peter had settled in as a fisherman. But this day, the fisherman met a Rabbi. Peter cleaned his nets as Jesus preached from his boat to the people on the shore. When Jesus was finished, Jesus told Peter to push out from the shore and take his now clean nets to go fishing.
Luke 5:5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.”
Peter went into the deep waters as instructed and went through the motions of drawing in his nets. But instead of coming up quickly, he soon realized his nets were full. He called his friends James and John to come and help. Both boats were filled to capacity.
Peter’s response is classic, Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’s knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” Suddenly Peter was overcome with the reality of who this was that was sitting in his boat. His response wasn’t joy. It wasn’t worship. And it definitely wasn’t excitement. Peter fell under conviction in the presence of His Creator.
The word Peter used for “sinful” means literally, “just below.” When you are in the presence of perfection, just below is way below. Peter realized that his sin made him unworthy to be near Jesus. Conviction is that terrible wonderful moment when God allows us to see our sin from His perfect perspective. For one brief instant we catch a glimpse of our sin through the eyes of Almighty God, and in our human state we are thrown to our face in repentance.
Peter’s cry fell on unreceptive ears. Instead Peter heard these words from his God, Luke 5:10 “Don’t be afraid,” Jesus told Simon. “From now on you will be catching people.” And Peter discovered what we all need to discover. Once Jesus cleans you, just as the nets had been cleaned, you are fit to be used for the biggest catch of your life.
Prayer: Dear God, bring me into Your presence that I may see how far I’ve fallen short and be made fit for Your Holy Service. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Announcements:
Movie night for Friday, March 20th has been cancelled.
We want you to know that we are doing everything we can to continue to minister to the needs of our community. Though we were unable to meet on Sunday, the financial needs of our church remain about the same. We want to continue to support our mission partners even in these difficult days. The reality is, ministry needs are probably greater during this time of crises. If you would like to give online, visit our website www.pinerbaptist.org, and click on the giving tab at the top of the page. Your donation is secure and will be deposited in the church’s account.
We are continuing the collection of food to help feed Piner Elementary families during this time. Bring your items to the church by Wednesday, so that they can be delivered by Friday. Jody has requested the following items: Canned Soup and Fruit, Spaghetti and Sauce, Mac & Cheese, Boxed Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Crackers.
The Backpack ministry is continuing as well.