What Grace Looks Like

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God.  He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.  Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he 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 fish for people.”  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

(Luke 5, NIV)


Peter ... probably in his High School Yearbook he was voted as "least likeliest to succeed", "least tactful", but on the good side, "hardest worker for his "C"s and "D"s".  And Peter probably believed all the bad press about him and probably had a rather harsh view of daily life.  Yet Jesus saw right through him, like He does for us as well.

Make sure you see what is happening in this precious story.  Peter worked all night and caught nothing.  He was not a happy camper.  Can't you see him grumbling under his breath as that itinerant preacher, Jesus, used Peter's boat to speak to the people?  And make sure you read not only his words when Jesus told him to fish again, but can't you hear the sarcasm almost dripping from his mouth as he reminds the preacher that last night was all in vain?  He was exhausted and wondering how he was going to pay bills.

But after the miraculous catch, he had the humility to admit he was in over his head even talking to this preacher.  Can't you hear him telling Jesus that he worked hard, that he sweated on the job, that his Scripture knowledge was limited to the Adam and, oh, what's her name?, story.  Can't you hear him explain why Jesus should look away, that he was used goods, too far gone into a rough and tumble world?

And then the best part!  When Peter admits he is a "sinful man", does Jesus agree and point out all his shortcomings?  NO!  Rather, we read "not to worry, and by the way Peter, do I have a great future for you!"

If you ever wonder what free, unearned Grace is, read this conversation over and over!

If you are somewhat bound up in your guilt from the past, know that this is not a hindrance to God's free, abundant Grace!  As you speak with Him, be sure to listen to His words, as He tells you that a great future awaits you and can start this very minute!!!  You may tend to look backwards, but He is always looking forward! 



PAUSE … Invite Him to be with you; let Him quiet you with His Love.


REFLECT… What is God saying to you?  Can you see yourself in Peter's shoes?  Can you begin to hear Jesus speaking with you?

* Do you find that you look backwards, rather than forwards, much of the time?

* As you look backwards, do you do so with a sense of guilt, sadness and shame?

* Jesus saw the potential in Peter, and spoke of an exciting future.  Do you feel that He sees and thinks the same way about YOU?

* If Jesus said to YOU what He said to Peter, could you absorb it, bring it into the center of yourself, bring it to the front of your mind and believe it?

* Do you believe that YOU could go from Fisherman to Follower?


RECEIVE … Ask the Holy Spirit to help you realize that Jesus wants to say the very same words to YOU, as He did to Peter!


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