The Boat
by Jim Simantirakis
While entering this section of our fast we start to see that one of the goals and outcomes of repentance is that of meekness and loyalty. I can’t help but think of the moment that Peter had when he and Jesus interacted for one the first times. In Luke we see Jesus assisting the fishermen with a haul of fish.
Luke 5:4-11 “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.
There is such a beautiful picture of what our encounters with the Lord are like in this passage. I feel like Peter went through parts of all these stages (Contrition/Confession, Cleansing/Purity, and Meekness/Loyalty) in this moment! First, I can’t help but think, here’s Peter and his friends, who are fishermen by trade, now getting instruction from a carpenter. What?! That would be like myself, a teacher, having a doctor come into my classroom and telling me how to manage my class for the optimal learning experience ……. Yet that’s exactly what happens when God shows up; our ultimate physician! Especially when we’re at our breaking point. Remember Peter toiled all night with no results. Counter to our thinking, God gives us a realization of our condition, impacting our very being to the core. Peter realizes this when he falls to the ground. We’re innately not good enough (Romans 3:23). This is how we tend to come to the Lord, with an understanding of our position with sin and the conviction thereof. Jesus’ response is what sets Him apart…..It is to restore and give an assurance to Peter by letting him know not to be afraid, getting up off the ground, and walking into his new reality. God’s love and forgiveness really shines through here, and we can now experience a transformation. The love shown brings us to a place of humble loyalty that is deserved unto God. That Peter and we as believers moving forward have no other agenda, but that of the Lord’s. To further His kingdom. All done with the proper steps of repentance, love, forgiveness, and empowerment. And that’s likely why we see in the account of Matthew, chapter 4 verse 19……”Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” Jesus is always Kingdom-Focused. Let’s be the same as a church during the final part of this fast.
While entering this section of our fast we start to see that one of the goals and outcomes of repentance is that of meekness and loyalty. I can’t help but think of the moment that Peter had when he and Jesus interacted for one the first times. In Luke we see Jesus assisting the fishermen with a haul of fish.
Luke 5:4-11 “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.
There is such a beautiful picture of what our encounters with the Lord are like in this passage. I feel like Peter went through parts of all these stages (Contrition/Confession, Cleansing/Purity, and Meekness/Loyalty) in this moment! First, I can’t help but think, here’s Peter and his friends, who are fishermen by trade, now getting instruction from a carpenter. What?! That would be like myself, a teacher, having a doctor come into my classroom and telling me how to manage my class for the optimal learning experience ……. Yet that’s exactly what happens when God shows up; our ultimate physician! Especially when we’re at our breaking point. Remember Peter toiled all night with no results. Counter to our thinking, God gives us a realization of our condition, impacting our very being to the core. Peter realizes this when he falls to the ground. We’re innately not good enough (Romans 3:23). This is how we tend to come to the Lord, with an understanding of our position with sin and the conviction thereof. Jesus’ response is what sets Him apart…..It is to restore and give an assurance to Peter by letting him know not to be afraid, getting up off the ground, and walking into his new reality. God’s love and forgiveness really shines through here, and we can now experience a transformation. The love shown brings us to a place of humble loyalty that is deserved unto God. That Peter and we as believers moving forward have no other agenda, but that of the Lord’s. To further His kingdom. All done with the proper steps of repentance, love, forgiveness, and empowerment. And that’s likely why we see in the account of Matthew, chapter 4 verse 19……”Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” Jesus is always Kingdom-Focused. Let’s be the same as a church during the final part of this fast.