The Call in Luke
Luke 5:1-11 contains Luke's version of the disciples' call story. As with the other Gospel accounts, it brings in elements not found in other Gospels, while omitting elements found in others. Some claim that the accounts are, therefore, contradictory. Instead, careful scrutiny usually resolves any issues, showing simply that despite the different details or emphasis, the accounts harmonize, especially on the crucial points.
Read Luke 5:1-11. What indications are there that Peter already had some faith in Jesus?
Think about it. They had fished all night, when fishing was the best, and caught nothing. Jesus then comes along and tells them to let the net into the water. Is He joking? If we did not catch anything all night, how are we going to in the day? Yet for some reason, Peter listens. Did he already have reasons to trust in Jesus?
What was Peter's response? How does that response, in many ways, capture the essence of discipleship and the everlasting gospel? Isa. 53:6, Rom. 5:16-21, 1 John 1:7-9.
Despite our fallen natures, despite our faults and our weaknesses, despite the fact that we, like Peter, are sinful, God does not abandon us. How natural it would be for any of us, in the presence of the Divine, to say, "Depart from me." Under the blood of the Cross, we can abide in the presence of God. Under the blood of the cross, we can be His disciples.
Dwell on what Jesus did for us at Calvary. Dwell on the promises of acceptance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God because of the Cross. Claim the promises made to you, not because you feel worthy of them (was Peter?), but because God has promised them, and you want to take Him at His Word.
2 comments:
Dwelling on all that Christ has done; his sacrifice for me and constantly mediating on my behalf to the Father, how can I not want to surrender myself to be used by him in whatever way. There should be nothing I wouldn't give up for Him; to follow Him wherever He leads me.
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