Ashley Elias stated, ”Our mission is to culture like Christ; our vision is Jesus.” For that reason
we are studying the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Todays’s lesson took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and great crowds were going to hear the Lord.
In order to have a little space, Jesus stepped into one of the nearby boats.”Jesus asked
Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the
crowds from there.” Luke 5:3 (NLT) This sentence “Jesus stepped into the boat “ is significant. People were crowding the Lord. Then Jesus was in Peter’s space-his boat. Because of others’ pursuit of Jesus, Peter encountered Jesus in a new way. Pastor reminded us to be aware of our environment and what is happening around us. It may be the next life changing encounter with God because you recognize what someone is doing right next to you.“Pay attention to what He’s doing in the lives of those around you, for it may mean He steps right into your boat.” We need to be observant.
In addition, Peter encountered the Lord because of proximity and because of others’ actions. Peter was watching them. Just as Peter watched the people, “people are watching you.” For example, we had a need for tech help. Miley volunteered, and even though he served in the LDE church, he helped FC.He was in our morning service and their afternoon service. What a blessing! James Calcutt will now take over the position. People are watching and stepping up to the challenge.
However, people may be unaware of their need because they have never been exposed to it. Pastor Josiah stated,”My job is to expose you to more of the LORD.” He told of the time he asked Ashley if she had the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They explored what that meant and the difference between water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. God moved mightily! Ashley’s comment was “Why has nobody told me about this?” As we grow closer to the Lord, we need to show “the world what’s possible with God.”
The hungry ones around you may break barriers for you and me as we step into great
unity-as we chase Jesus. For instance, at one time a four minute mile was an impossibility.
That impossible achievement was based on the limited historical precedent and no athlete had recorded the achievement. On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister broke the four minute mile. On June 21, 1954, John Landy ran a sub four minute mile. What was perceived to be impossible was achieved. As we lean into God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we get to learn more about the LORD. May we break through previously conceived barriers.
In the next verses of Luke 5, Jesus asked Peter to go deeper and to cast his nets. Peter was
a successful professional fisherman. Jesus was a land person not a water person. Could Peter
sense that?
“‘Master,’ Simon replied,’ we worked hard all last night and didn’t
catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’
And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!
A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon
both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”
Luke 5:5-7 (NLT)
Peter was incredulous at this miraculous catch of fish that almost capsized the boats. Jesus had told Peter to go deeper, and Peter obeyed. Peter had no clue whom he had before him. The LORD prods us to go deeper with Him. How do we achieve deeper relationship? It takes time, but time doing what? We get to read His Word, spend time listening to Him, singing songs to Him, sitting at His feet like Mary did; for “Deep calls to deep” Psalm 42:7 (NIV)
“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard. Nor have
entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared
for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through
His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things
of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV)
We are not to live a casual Christianity or make a casual commitment to Jesus Christ. Jesus
passionately reminded the questioning Pharisees to love the Lord, your God with all your
heart, soul, mind and strength. Mark 12:30 That word “all” means 100%. Pastor Josiah
reminded us,”Don’t try to squeeze Jesus into your old way of life.” Another way he framed it
was “You don’t get to keep your old ways and sprinkle a little Jesus on top.” It does not
work that way. God may let you keep 95% of what you treasure, but there might be a couple of things He asks you to give up. Even if they are special, those things you get to give up become your sacrificial lambs. Are those treasures more important than Jesus?
The King just stepped into your boat, and He is calling you to go out deeper. What does that
look like on Friday after work? What does that look like on Monday morning? Don’t get caught up in the busyness of ministry that you miss “the romance of God.” He is calling you to closer intimacy. So pursue God. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For Peter, doing it Jesus’ way was so much better. And after the outrageously humongous
catch, Peter’s eyes saw who Jesus was. The fish had opened Peter’s eyes.
“When Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before
Jesus and said,’Oh, Lord, please leave me-I’m too much of a sinner
to be around you.’” Luke 5:8 (NLT)
Peter finally got it, and all he could do was fall on his knees and confess his sinfulness. Do we
have a reverence for the LORD? “Do not assume He’s doing nothing.” Pay attention to the
signs. Someone is breaking the four minute mile.
The Paramount Point is “barriers are shattering” because “with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) In Luke 5:10b-11
“Jesus replied to Simon,’Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be
fishing for people.’
And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed
Jesus.” (NLT)
“Following Jesus may not always be rational, but it’s always appropriate.”
What may look irrational to the world may be right with the LORD! For we are not of this world when we are Christ followers. May we follow Jesus and be salt and light in this dark world.
Submitted by,
Larry & Annette Linthicum