MISSION UPDATE – PETER BLESSED BY GOD’S GRACIOUSNESS by Donnie Stubblefield
Luke 5:2-11 NKJV – “So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.”
Jesus got into Simon’s boat and spoke to the people. Jesus then asked Simon to go out to deep water and “let down your nets”. Simon was tired from fishing all night we no results so, NEVERTHELESS, he followed the instructions of Jesus. Half-heartedly Simon dropped A NET, most likely thinking he was wasting his time and effort. Simon Peter’s catch was so great that the net was breaking, and boats were sinking! Peter was blessed beyond measure not because of his efforts but by God’s graciousness. His life was never the same after listening to Jesus’ call.
I have heard countless stories of how Jesus still does this miracle in the lives of people. How half-heartedly they step out of their comfort zone thinking they do not have anything to give on mission only to be blessed beyond measure and to return with a new life of purpose in Kingdom building. Are you ready to step into the boat and push away from shore into deep water to see what Jesus might do in your life?
Please pray and talk to Pastor Jim on how you can Kingdom-build with Faith Lutheran Church!
If you have questions now, you can email me at donnie@casasporcristo.org.