GONE FISHING - FOR REAL

Slap…slap…slap.

The man listened to the sound of the waves gently lapping against the side of the boat. The sun was shining above in a crystal clear blue sky. He had a good feeling about today. He felt a stirring in his spirit that he couldn’t quite explain.

Of course, just the other day, he and Andrew had met this Jesus fellow. Andrew had said that He was the Messiah. Simon had to admit, Andrew could be right…just this once. Jesus had very compelling eyes. His voice spoke with authority. He had the aura of truth about Him.

And He had told him that his name would be Peter. That was a little puzzling.

The rock?!

OK, I’ve got a strong personality, thought Simon. But I’m not really known for being rock-solid. Why would Jesus say that?

At any rate, Simon was interested in hearing more of what Jesus had to say. But that was for another day. Today they had work to do –

"C’mon, Andrew. Help me throw this net out."

Just as they were throwing the net into the water, a figure appeared on shore. The sun was at the back of the person, so all Simon saw was a silhouette.

"Hello," called out the man on shore.

Simon looked up.

Andrew exclaimed, "It’s Him, Simon. It’s the Christ."

Simon thought to himself, "What does He want?"

"Come, follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people!"

And then it happened.

The stirring in Simon’s spirit exploded, washing over him in a rush of devotion, of unmitigated love, of excitement and anticipation…

He turned to his brother – and with eyes gleaming, he said, "Let’s go!"

And in that moment, Simon became Peter – and his life was forever changed.

Jesus was calling these men to leave behind everything that was familiar to them. He was calling them to sacrifice security for an unknown future. He was calling them to a life of uncertain adventure. He was calling them…

Leave behind what you know. Leave behind what you control. Leave behind yourself.

Follow Me.

Jesus’ call motivated these humble fishermen to get up and leave – immediately. They didn’t make excuses. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t complain why it wasn’t a good time. They left at once…

Jesus is standing on the shoreline of your life. Can you see His silhouette?

He’s calling out to you.

"Come, follow Me."

Will you obey Him?

Will you throw down your net, and make your way to His feet –

at once?

Will you…

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”