The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 5:4-20,
"When he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, 'Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!' For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men.'"
This event, which clearly brought astonishment and amazement to those who saw it, became a metaphor Jesus used to convey the mission he would be sending his disciples on, "from now on you will catch men". What is astonishing to me is the Lord's decision to employ those that are his to propagate his kingdom. He uses those who have embraced him in faith to spread the message of faith to draw others to him in faith. Those that are drawn repeat the process and the result is a catch that exceeds all expectation, just as the catch of fish! The Lord is building his kingdom!
Just prior to ascending to heaven, Jesus told his followers, "... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", Matthew 28:19. This is why the Son of God came to planet earth. Jesus says in Luke 19:10, "...the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Here is the game plan, here is the purpose. This is what this life is all about. Jesus Christ is building his kingdom. All who will embrace him in faith enter into his kingdom. All who fail to embrace him go to their appointed place, an eternal fiery lake of burning sulfur, Revelation 21:8.
I'd like to think the reason Jesus Christ came to planet earth was to provide me with an abundant life defined by health and financial success. I'd like to think he came so I could have a happy marriage and see my children turn out perfectly. I'd like to think he came so that I could avoid the painful and difficult experiences this life has to offer. I'd like to think Jesus Christ came to add the spiritual aspect to a healthy lifestyle. I'd like to think... well, you get the picture.
It turns out that when Jesus Christ came to planet earth, it wasn't all about me. Yes, he came to die for my sins because of an unfathomable love he has for me, making it possible for me to enter into his family. And, yes, he has provided me the indwelling Holy Spirit as a companion and guide, illuminating the Scriptures the Lord himself took pains to provide me. However, the Lord's purpose in coming to planet earth was not to feed any self-absorption I may entertain myself with. He didn't come to placate any felt need I may have for satisfaction in this life. When Jesus Christ came to planet earth, it was all about his intentions, his purposes. What I learn from the miraculous catch of fish in this story is that the purpose Jesus Christ came to pursue was to build his kingdom.
When we join the kingdom we are given a mission to propagate it. That is why we remain here. This is our purpose. I am to participate in building the kingdom of God through all the Lord has given me for the task.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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