Luke 5:1–11

Luke 5:1–11

Confronted with the reality of who Jesus is, Peter asked Jesus to leave because Peter realized he was a sinful man. No one can be a disciple until he or she comes to terms with how unworthy they are. We can't be a disciple if we approach discipleship like a free agent football player, offering out services on an open market. We will not be a disciple if we approach discipleship or ministry as a contractor negotiating an agreement; we will at best be a hireling. Discipleship better begins with: "Jesus, go away from me. Your presence reminds me of how bad, weak, vulgar, and selfish I am. I would rather not be faced with that reality. So, leave me alone."

But there is something to Peter that wants the wholeness of Christ more than the narcotic of being left alone and numb. Peter was amazed and afraid. If the call of Christ does not strike us with some fear and amazement we need to examine what's going on. There is no situation where we should say, “I've got this” or, “That is easy.” We often talk about a good fit for ministry or service. Is that a Biblical or worldly concept? We see in Scripture that God prepared people for the task that He had for them, but at the moment of calling there was fear, doubt, and resistance: sometime overt and sometimes more subtle. Beware if you’ve "got this" when it comes to ministry.

Notice that the fishermen were afraid and amazed and Jesus tells them not to be afraid. But He leaves them with being amazed. The fact is, we must always remain amazed. As individuals and congregations we must continually be amazed. We must not limit this to being amazed when learning something new, when amazement is easier. We must also be amazed with the rehearsal of what we know. We must never lose sight of the marvel of the Gospel and its author.

“God of wonder, keep me amazed as I learn more about You. AMEN”