“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were 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 fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” -Luke 5:1-11
Do you remember the day you made the decision to follow Jesus for the first time? Take a moment to reflect on that day as well as the people and experiences which lead you to make that decision.
Do you remember a time in your life when you had to recommit to follow Jesus? Faith is a journey, and we all find ourselves at times having to be reminded of who it is we are following.
My favorite part of this story from Luke’s gospel is where it says Jesus’ newly minted disciples “pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” They had just made a great catch of fish, and in the fishing business, fish is money. They left a lot of money on the beach that day.
We know from other gospel accounts that these fishermen were in a family business with their father and likely other relatives. They left years of work and stories on the beach that day as well.
As you think about the day you first made the decision to follow Jesus, consider where you are today. Are there things in your life you need to leave behind to follow Jesus? Are there things you have allowed to become more important than your decision to follow Jesus? Take a moment to name these and confess them to God.
As you go about your day, be reminded of your decision and recommitment to follow Jesus. Where is his leading you today? What might Jesus be calling you to do today? Leave everything else behind, and follow him.
Alex