Are You Called?
Opening Prayer
Gracious Father, I thank You for all those whom You have used in my life to draw me to You.
Read LUKE 5:1-11
[1] One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, [2] he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. [3] He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. [4] When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” [5] Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” [6] When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. [7] So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. [8] When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” [9] For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, [10] and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” [11] So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did Peter react when he realized who Jesus was?The practical and spiritual aspects of our calling are paired here. The Son of God finds it natural to engage with our everyday lives. The idea of speaking from the boat seems to be no more than a sensible arrangement. The advice to Peter in v. 4 concerns the fisherman’s routine nightly work. The result is almost certainly a miracle, though it has been suggested that the story of the great catch might be explained simply by Jesus looking into the deep water from a different angle, where he could helpfully spot the fish. Why should this idea bother us? God gave his son eyes as well as power in the Spirit. As we saw yesterday, Jesus didn’t trouble about the distinction between the everyday and the spiritual (see also Mark 2).
It is equally natural that Jesus calling them as disciples, as well as providing for breakfast, takes them beyond material concerns. After v. 5, Peter does not give much thought to fish. In v. 8, seeing the result of his obedience, his attitude is astonishment, awe and conviction of his own sin. Then, in v. 11, he makes the decision to follow Jesus, apparently without consideration for material details.
Apply
Ask Jesus to make you more aware of him as you do your daily chores and how he is calling you to serve him.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to You and giving me the privilege of sharing You with others. Help me to do it.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.