...they left everything...

The First Disciples
1One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3Stepping into one of the 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. 4When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5“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.” 6And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8When Simon 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.” 9For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Probably the biggest catch they had ever seen! They left everything and followed Jesus. As Jesus was teaching, Simon, James, and John had heard what Jesus had been teaching. Combine that with the amount of fish, they all were amazed. Yet, I think there is something else here. We read so often of the number of times that, God revealed to Peter things about how Jesus was to us He still is. I wonder if this was one of those times? I do not want to add to the Word. As we mature in the Lord, we begin to dismiss coincidences. We see how things fit together more and more, as we are obedient to the Spirit leading. As we walk this path, very many things can be difficult to understand. Why did this or that take place? Is replaced with, my trust is in the Lord. Maturing is not about time. It can appear to be, but truth be told, it is not based on time. We mature in the Lord based on, how we trust Him in Him. The more we do this, the more we mature. The quicker and the more completely we surrender to Jesus, the more mature. As we begin to step into who we are in Christ. We begin to vanish more and more, and others see Jesus in what we do, and how we do them. The less we desire recognition, the more effective we become.
Let’s look at this story again. Simon tells Jesus they had been working all night. They must had been tired. They had not caught anything, I would think more than a little grumpy. When Jesus asked to be taken out a little, Simon could have said, “ no, I am busy and tired etc..” After Jesus had finished, He told Simon to go out some more and to lower the nets. Two things here I saw. One is the obedience of Simon. He was tired and who was this person anyway to suggest to him where and how to fish. The second is that of Jesus. The manner in which He spoke Faith. “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” Not try to, or hope to, just to do it. This is how we must be also. With solid and complete Faith, and the desire that all the Glory goes to God. Many can and do, go through the stage of thinking we are owed things from God. It can be a warped view point of faith. Most grow out of this and begin to understand, we owe Jesus everything. That no matter what, God not only has our backs but, His Love for us surrounds us. Remember there are no coincidences, God is in control. We humble ourselves before Him, and Trust in Him as things unfold in our life. 11And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. This in itself is a Powerful statement. Those who are called, need to be ready when He calls! The Power that is Jesus is as no other. We see here these 3 men, professional fishermen left all of it to follow Jesus. Now the other books tell the story a little different. But, all say one thing the same, ..they left everything and followed Jesus. This in itself is a compelling statement. However, it is one that requires much thought. “Have I left everything to follow Jesus?” The thing is God knows our hearts, and this is where that question can only be asked and answered. For it is in our hearts that we serve Him. Our actions can show only part of who we are. It is in our hearts, that we best show who we serve and how we serve. For in our hearts we show humility. People will be able to act a certain way. Yet, when the pressure is on, or our guard is down. What is in our hearts, will be shown through our actions. Never forget that you are Loved. Never forget He Only wants the best for you. We all struggle at times, His Grace covers us. Allow His Love, His Desires for you, and His Grace, to work through you and for you. In other words, Trusts Him dear one.