2016-10-06 [Month of Mission 2016] Calling Simon Peter
Calling Simon Peter
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. (Luke5:1-11) |
The Month of mission reminds us that God is busy in the world. He calls all to come to his kingdom and have peace. Christ came and pitched his tent amongst us (John 1:14), to guide and lead us to the Father. This month is about the Kingdom of God here on earth and our role in its growth.
Peter, as a fisherman, was called to follow Christ in His mission to the world. There are four points that we get from this text:
- Peter was busy with his group fishing by the lake of Gennesaret, when Jesus got into his boat, he allowed Jesus to use his boat as a pulpit. He gave the control of his boat (livelihood) to the master. One cannot join in the Mission of God without giving total control of one's life to him. When we allow Christ to take charge of our lives, we put ourselves at the right place where Christ will be able to utilise us for his kingdom.
- Secondly, Jesus gives Peter an instruction to put out the nets in deep waters. Bear in mind, Peter was a professional fisherman. They had already done what Jesus suggested. So Peter indicates this fact to Jesus, BUT he follows the instruction anyway. When we are ready to allow the Word of God to instruct our lives, we are indeed becoming a fertile ground for God to operate through us.
- Third point. They caught a large number of fish. Christ's Word leads to a successful fishing. The church cannot fish without the Word and obedience to the master.
- Last point. Peter admits his sinful nature. God uses people who understand that they are sinful and need Jesus for salvation. Peter admits his sins and yet Jesus calls him to catch men. God is not willing to use people filled with pride. Ou humility allows God to take total control of our lives. When the church is willing to admit its sins, such church is called to make a difference in the world.
Jesus calls Peter once these four points are met.
- Peter gave total control to Jesus.
- Peter listened to the instruction and obeyed.
- Peter was willing to catch fish (stick to the mandate) and
- Peter admitted his sinful nature and confessed his sins.
We need to be in step with the Word of God to be able to do God's mission here on earth. The Holy Spirit is always at work to equip and guide us. God needs you...
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Lentikile Mashoko a father of three and a husband to Tumi. They serve at Mabopane Presbyterian Church, Tshwane Presbytery.
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