09/03/2017 - STRANGE DECLARATION

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When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees saying, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord! Luke 5:8

The words spoken by Jesus when sitting in Peter’s boat must have filled his heart with faith and joy.  However, although he was already a disciple to the Master, what happened next astounded him.  We have to have many experiences with God so that when something serious comes up or a challenge arises, we can act as He expects us.  There is nothing sadder to see than a Christian confused in an unexpected situation.

Having blessed the multitude, the master ordered Peter to cast the net to fish, since Peter had helped Him in His mission that day, lending Him his boat, Jesus in return would now help Peter in his task.  Although they had worked all night they had not caught any fish.  On hearing Jesus command them to go to high sea and then cast their net, which in our sight would be impossible to catch any fish, Peter obeyed and saw the hand of God at work. 

He who obeys the Lord will never be confounded.  In this way don’t keep from doing what the Almighty bids you, for undoubtedly, besides Him knowing all things, at the open and shutting of an eye He will perform a miracle never seen nor told before, which is what happened that day, because what the Master had taught had to be done.  Christ came to show us how we can have divine assistance in our day to day; we must simply believe in Him. 

When these men pulled in the net, they saw the glory of the Lord be manifest.  It was hard to believe, that in those waters whey they had caught nothing, there was a tremendous multitude of fish waiting for someone with faith in God to act on it.  On pulling in the nets they were astounded as the net almost broke under the weight of so much fish.  Joy overtook Peter’s heart as he beckoned his companions to help for there was more than ample fish for everyone.

On witnessing the impossible before his own eyes, the apostle cried out for Jesus to depart from him because Peter realized himself to be a sinner. It was a strange request, but on seeing the Lord’s ability to do this work in an impossible way, Peter realized how truly he was a sinner.  The Savior told him that because he had seen the manifestation of divine power, Peter was now prepared to be a true fisher of men. (V.10)

You can’t imagine the reactions you will have to certain situations in which the Lord wants to use you.  It is likely that you also declare yourself a sinner on being astounded with the greatness of the Operator of Wonders, just as Peter the apostle did. However if the heavenly Father makes you witness His glory, you must believe that you are ready to execute the greatest catch of all times:  the salvation of the lost.  The task must be done by the Lord, or nothing will happen!

Peter lent the boat and received a large catch of fish when the sea was not promising anything.  The young boy who gave his five loaves and two fish (John 6:9) could still enjoy from 12 baskets that had remained of the best pieces of bread and fish, produced and broken by the Creator of Heaven and Earth.  Don’t deny what Jesus declares for it is certain that He will bless you immensely.

In Christ, with love, 

R. R. Soares