Devotion:
Read Luke 5:1-11.
You can imagine the scene -- the people were eager to hear every word from this new and powerful teacher who shared the word of God with great authority, so they crowded in closer and closer. Jesus backed up, giving up ground until he was at the water’s edge. So he “borrowed” Simon and his boat and taught sitting in the boat. We read about the instruction to put down the net, Simon’s whine about a long night with no fish, his somewhat reluctant compliance, and the awesome catch that required another boat and partners to help haul it in.
I wonder what made Jesus select Simon’s boat. As the fishermen did the menial work of washing their nets that morning after a long and fruitless night, was Simon the one showing the most initiative? Was he being the leader, telling his brother and his partners what to do? Or was he being encouraging, telling them not to worry about last night’s lack of success and urging them to come ready for better results tonight? Perhaps Jesus saw none of this in Simon but simply saw in him the potential for faith that would make Jesus give him the new name of Peter, the Rock. Simon’s decision to leave his boat (life’s work) and go fish for people is inspiring. What are you being called to do?
Personal Worship Option:
Christ calls each of us to come follow him and become something different as a disciple. Pray today that you hear your call. Perhaps it is a call not to go anywhere but simply to serve Christ in a new way right where you are. Or perhaps you will simply be encouraged to continue being faithful to the call you heard long ago.
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