Bro. Eddie Ministries Reading Plan: The Word Gives HopeHalimbawa

Encounter with Jesus

Being a fisherman for a long time, Peter knew that the night was perfect time to fish. The air was blowing along his direction. His equipment was all set. He and the other fishermen with him went onto the deep for a big catch. But no fish showed up that night. They tried to catch again and again. Still they did not catch a single fish. Until the sun started to shine and they had no choice but to stop and go home.

Peter headed for the shore. He was downcast and troubled. His family would go hungry for the day. And it was not the first time.

Like Peter, we may have used up all effort to give our family the best that we could. And yet we fail. A time also comes that we feel we toiled for nothing.

But Peter’s story did not end there. He met the Lord Jesus at the shore of the Lake Gennesaret. There He told him, “Launch out into the deep and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)

Who was this man telling him such? How could it be? It was broad daylight and the more that the fish will not show up. He felt something strange. Suddenly he dared to believe His word. He replied, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” (v. 5)

So they did let down their net. Shortly after, they could no longer carry the net for it was breaking. They caught multitudes of fish!

“So they signaled to their parents in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” (v. 7)
Peter was stunned. Who was this Man who did such a miracle? It never happened in the past. And no one was able to do it but Him.

But whoever He was, Peter knew that He had changed him from that moment. He fell down at Jesus’ knees saying, “Depart from me, I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (v. 8)

Peter did not only react to the sign he saw. He was moved by the holiness he felt. He could not help but tremble at His presence. But Jesus would not only forgive him. He would give him something more.

“Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” (v. 10)

Since then, Peter’s life began to change. He left fishing to follow Jesus. He went with Him wherever He would minister. He saw Him heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and preach God’s love. He saw Him feed huge number of people. He saw Him raise the dead. He saw His hate against sin and His passion for uprightness. He saw His compassion for the weak and the needy. He saw Him treading down the path of Calvary where He made Himself a ransom for sinners. He witnessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Seeing the way Jesus lived and dealt with the people made Peter understand the grand call of God for his life. He knew that the task was heavy and risky.

God charged him and the other disciples to proclaim the Good News shortly after Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven. But the enemies of the Gospel tried to hinder them from preaching the Gospel. Yet Peter and the rest of the disciples died fulfilling what God has given them to do.

Peter’s face to face meeting with the Lord became a turning point in his life. It marked a different kind of life for him. And it was full of chances and challenges. It took him to the place where only the brave and the zealous for Christ would dare go into. And one thing we can be sure of, Peter did not regret following Him who redeemed us by His blood.

Reflection:
1. What happened after somebody told you about how much God loves you? What are the changes in you that took place after you chose to follow the Lord Jesus?
2. What is the ministry that God gave you to do? How is it going?

To be found by God is one thing. To follow Him is another