One day Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowds were pressing close to him to hear the word of God. He saw to boats moored by the land; the fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats - it was Simon's - and asked him to put out a little way from the land. Then he sat down in the boat and began to teach the crowd.
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deeper part, and let down your nets for a catch.'
'Master,' replied Simon, 'we were working hard all night and caught nothing at all. But if you say so, I'll let down the nets.'
When they did so, they caught such a huge number of fish that the nets began to break. They signalled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. So they came, and filled both the boats, and they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees.
'Go away,' he said,'Leave me, Lord! I'm a sinner!' He and all his companions were gripped with amazement at the catch of fish they had taken; this included James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
'Don't be afraid,' said Jesus to Simon. 'From now on you'll be catching people.'
They brought the boats to land. Then they abandoned everything and followed him.
Jesus has found himself teaching to a growing crowd and as they press in on him he seizes the opportunity to commandeer a vessel so as to take advantage of the terrain which, with its steep inlets set the perfect stage for both the teaching and the display of God's power. Here in this natural amphitheater, God's word was declared with power. It seems that everything was in place and Jesus simply saw the opportunity to act and so did. The people were there, the boat was there, the fish were gathered in just the right spot, Simon's heart was in just the right place that morning despite having a rough go at it that night...everything was orchestrated perfectly.
I wonder how many of these opportunities pass me by daily, you know, to glorify God? I wonder how many times Jesus hops on board my boat and goes to launch into this amazing word and demonstration of Father's power and I'm like... 'Hey, dude...get outta my boat! I'm tired and I don't have time for this right now.'
Oh, the missed opportunities to love and receive Jesus. I'm convinced that God sets these opportunities up every day, perfectly sets them up and I blow it. His Spirit blows into my midst, points out the setup and I'm like nope, not gonna listen to that, not gonna serve there, not gonna call that person, can't go visit them. To tired. To much stuff to do around the house. Gotta run here and there. Other times , I've had a rough day and things didn't go so well, so the last thing I want to do is put myself out there again. Especially when all probability and logic say it's gonna be a waste of time.
Most of the time I'm stumbling through life...trying to make a living, provide for my family, do good by all my business associates, doing the best job I know how and within that...there are those moments...the ones where everything comes together, the Spirit is moving, I'm tuned in and empowered and something amazing happens. I do something in simple obedience, I try something anew, I give myself and my resources over to be used as a platform for God's word and I see peoples lives changed. I see the poor ministered to. I see the hungry fed. I see the sick healed. I find myself blessed beyond expectations and what can one do in that place but embrace the lesson in humility and give honor to God.
I've begun to live for those uncommon moments, to seek them out and if I do that enough...I'm finding out...they are more common than I had thought, my hearing and seeing and obeying where really what was uncommon. Perhaps, by the grace of God, I will answer His call today...and again tomorrow...and perhaps, in the end, I will have lived a life worthy of His calling.
...when he comes on that day, to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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