Signora Sheila

That day, as always, a large crowd gathered around the young rabbi, who was new on the scene. Amazed at His wonderful teaching, the crowd sought Him out wherever He went. And now that news of His miracles had spread, the people pressed on Him even more, almost backing Him into the Sea of Galilee. So Jesus boarded Simon Peter’s boat, and asked him to row out a little farther from the shore.

It was early morning. But Peter, tired from a long night of fruitless fishing, complied. He knew this rabbi, and knew there was something different about him.

He’d been there when the water turned to wine. And he’d been awed, even frightened, to see Jesus drive the merchants and moneychangers out of the temple. Here was one with power and authority. One worth listening to.

So though weary and perhaps discouraged, Peter rowed away from the shore.

Happy to have a seat in the front row. Glad to be near the teacher who somehow attracted him. “This rabbi is special,” Peter thought, “and definitely sent by God. No one could do the miracles He does unless God sent Him.”

“And He doesn’t just line His own pockets, like our religious leaders do. But as great as wine from water is, it won’t line my pockets either,” he concluded. And he desperately needed a good catch. Times had been hard lately. So even after seeing the Lord’s miracles, Peter had returned to his boat. Back to making a living the only way he knew how.

And then, when He had finished His teaching – that’s when the Lord said, “Row out into the deep and let down your nets to catch some fish.” The Lord knew that fishermen worked mostly at night. He might have even seen Peter’s empty boat coming in and knew they’d fished all night in vain.

But Peter, perhaps catching the Lord’s intense gaze, obeyed going against his fisherman’s instinct. “This is crazy!” he thought, “Everyone knows the fishing is better at night! And yet, there’s something about this teacher…”

Or maybe, before he could think at all, he was calling for help, as the nets broke under the weight of the fish. And experienced fisherman that he was, Peter knew there was something miraculous about this catch. Think of it, surely one of largest ever seen in these parts!

Peter’s turning point

He had just made the biggest catch of his career, enough to provide for his family for a while. Comfort was now within reach, but he didn’t seem to be thinking about it at all.

A glimpse of Christ

He had caught a glimpse of Christ’s true identity. And in his delightfully spontaneous way, the burly fisherman threw himself at Jesus’ feet, knowing that he wasn’t good enough to even be in His presence. And then the Lord called him to follow.

It’s interesting that Jesus said to Peter, “Don’t be afraid,” as if to say, “Nothing is impossible for me. So don’t worry; I’ll take care of you. Just follow me in complete obedience.”

So instead of taking this huge catch to market, Peter and his companions left everything and followed Christ. They’d caught a glimpse of who and what Christ is. And with that vision filling their minds, they left everything for the One they saw as worthy of everything.

“And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”

Luke 5:10-11

Christ brings each of us to turning points in our lives. Sometimes through hard times, other times through miracles and provision. Or even through simple quiet events.

But everything He allows in our lives works to bring us to the pivotal turning point of our lives. The point where we catch a glimpse of Christ’s true identity and joyfully give up all in order to follow Him.

They left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:11

📷 Image credits: both are by www.LumoProject.com from FreeBibleImages.com