I don’t know about you, but anytime we have company or people over, we feverishly clean the house and clean up ourselves. It is what’s expected as it sends a message of respect and importance to our visitors….. but is it what Jesus values?
One of the first sermons Jesus ever gave was from a boat. Interesting that Jesus choose to use a businessman’s platform to preach the Gospel isn’t it? However, Simon Peter had to first make his business available to the Master, and when he did, something wonderful happened to his business and to himself.
When they had done so (let down their nets), they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 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. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 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.” So he pulled his boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. — Luke 5:6-11
The first words out of Jesus mouth after Simon’s massive catch was “Don’t be afraid”. It’s the same exchange that Adam had with God in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3) and it was his way of saying to God “If you knew me, you wouldn’t love me.” That was Simon’s response too, and it happened when Simon sees Jesus’ holiness for the first time.
I think Simon has been comparing himself, his lifestyle, to other people and feels like he has been measuring up. But Jesus’ light is so bright and Simon’s sin is so glaring, that it exposes the darkness inside. What’s cool is Jesus does it in a way that is out of plenty and not out of guilt and shame. He does it in a way of love & grace not condemnation.
You see, Jesus calls Simon, not when he is cleaned up, but when he is messed up. Are you feeling unworthy of God’s love? Is there something you are hanging onto that you think is too big to be forgiven? Leave your boat behind and follow him again or for the first time– You won’t regret it. Despite this “messy” state, Jesus recruited Simon to be his first disciple. Jesus uses sinful people to accomplish his purposes.
Reflection |
- What messes do you need to release today?
- Are you willing, like Simon, to make your business available to Jesus?