Luke 5:8-11
When I was teaching I used a 1 to 5 finger method to gauge how secure my students were feeling about moving forward with a new concept that I had introduced. This helped me know how much more guidance or teaching they would need. Raising five fingers meant ‘I’ve got this, I’m good’ all the way to one finger which said to me ‘I have no clue what you are talking about Ms. McCarville.’ They always thought that was funny, and lucky for me I rarely got that response!
In our passage today, Jesus is asking something of Peter. Luke 5:8-11 says When Simon Peter saw this happen, he knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “Lord, don't come near me! I am a sinner.” Peter and everyone with him were completely surprised at all the fish they had caught. His partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were surprised too. Jesus told Simon, “Don't be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish.” The men pulled their boats up on the shore. Then they left everything and went with Jesus. Luke 5:8-11 (CEV)
Peter recognized that he was in the presence of greatness when he was in the presence of Jesus. Compared to Jesus, Peter knew he didn't come close to measuring up even on his best day. He was a sinner. He was limited. He experienced failures. Jesus was calling these ordinary men to follow him and to do his work. He would equip them specifically for the task he was asking them to accomplish. I wonder how confident Peter was feeling at that time and how many fingers he would have held up?
Have you ever felt God calling you to do something, but you wondered “Why me? I can’t do that!” The Bible is filled with stories of every day, ordinary people doing amazing things. Moses, Noah, David, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Mary to name just a few. We can’t allow our fears or doubts to become our excuse for not obeying God’s call. We are all given gifts that can be used to serve and glorify God. He chooses us to serve him. He wants us to be obedient and accept the call. God will equip us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, even if we do not feel confident or qualified. Service to God can bring us so much joy and happiness. It's amazing how over time these feelings can change our hearts and our lives! Praising God, loving and serving others are ways we can show our response to God's love and grace.
One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Next time you have an idea or think you are being called, ask yourself, Is this a God idea? Is God calling me? Trust that God will be with you and He will give you the strength, knowledge, and skills that you need to serve him and others.
Questions for Reflection:
- When was the last time you put up five fingers and said “God, I’m good, I’ve got this!”? Did you trust that God would be with you along the way?
- Do you find happiness in serving God and others?
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for the gift of grace. Help me to start each day with a thankful heart. I know sometimes I don’t feel adequate to do your work but help me remember that you are always there with me. Show me ways that I may serve you and others. Amen
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