A Call To Discipleship

Introduction:-

This is a story of the call of the first Disciple, Peter. Peter didn’t know Jesus personally, but Jesus knew Him and made a purposeful visit to the location where Peter was weary. Often time we think we find God by our efforts. We fail to realize that its God who creates avenue and circumstances to encounter us. We can’t encounter HIM unless He purposes it! (vs 3) He is an all sovereign God.

Jesus was teaching a huge crowd by the sea. It was Jesus who chose to get into Peter’s boat. Peter was busy at work of cleaning his nets in all frustrations because he didn’t get any catch the previous night.

We can observe 3 things from the text.

1. Obedience leads to success

Peter was there with many other people who heard Jesus’ teaching from the shore. After a long night of disappointing fishing session (vs 5), Peter would have set down with frustration and tiredness. Nevertheless, when the word of the Lord came in a form of instruction, Peter obeyed. First, Christ got into the boat and ordered Peter to push a little into the water so that He can preach clearly to the people. Peter obeyed! Peter also listened to what Jesus was preaching…later after the preaching the 2 second command comes from the Lord. But this time it was only meant for Peter. Peter still obeyed despite being tired and frustrated. (the use of gar “but” in Gr.). Humanly speaking, Peter was definitely more well versed and expert in the sea. He knows when and how he can catch good fish. But, here in spite of all his knowledge and experiences, Peter chooses to obey Christ. Putting aside all that he knew, he and his companions casted the net as Jesus instructed.

We need to understand that living in obedience to God’s word is a process. You can’t expect an instant miracle for every obedience – like instant noodle! Obedience is a process, at time is consumes time and requires a lot of patients.

Vs 6 tells us the harvest. Yes indeed, the fruit of obedience is blessing and success. If Peter would have relied simply on his expertise and knowledge and refuse to obey, he wouldn’t have not received the great blessing. It was when he and his companions obeyed that they received a bountiful blessing from God.

Are we desperate for blessings and breakthroughs in life? Are we also tired and frustrated in life like Peter and his friends? All that is required of us is to obey the voice of God (the word of God). Vs 7 tells us that the blessings were too great that they needed another boat to also contained it. Not only that, the overwhelming blessing was also sinking the boat. When God blesses, He blesses bountifully, He blesses beyond our expectations, and He blesses till our cups overflows – no place to contain it.

The first lesson we can learn form this story is, the more frustrated and disappointed you are with your life – the more you should obey the Word of the Lord. There is miracle in His word (Psalms 107:2). Remember! Obedience to God is a process that require patience endurance and consistency.

2. Obedience leads to realization

This narrative was indeed a great miracle for Peter and his companions. They who were professional in the field were simply amazed by the wonder working power of Christ. Peter knew this Jesus was not a simple man. He knew that He was far greater than what human mind can comprehend.

Thus, (vs 8) Peter expressed conviction of sin in Jesus' presence indicating that he realized that Jesus was very different from himself (cf.Isa. 6:5 – Just like how the Prophet Isaiah responded when god encountered him). "Depart from me," or, "Go away from me," expresses Peter's feeling of uncleanness in Jesus' presence. Jesus' superior ability caused Peter to sense that he was a sinner, one who fell short.

"What Peter does not realize is that admitting one's inability and sin is the best prerequisite for service, since then one can depend on God. Peter's confession becomes his résumé for service. Humility is the elevator to spiritual greatness."

Today as we ponder about own spiritual journey, have we come across any moments when we realized how sinful and depraved, we are because of sin? Our God is so holy and highly exalted that we don’t even deserve to be ministered by Him? We are to go before God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalms 51:17). Only those who can acknowledge the state of total depravity will be called by God for His noble ministry or rather will be used by God. Peter acknowledgement of His sinful state led God’s invitation into his life (vs 10)