Grounding My Boat

Scripture – Luke 5: 8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and 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.” 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Reflection: Jesus connected with Simon Peter where he was – in a boat filled with fish. He communicated with Peter on a level he understood – fishing. Peter recognized this was more than just a man. And in that he recognized his unworthiness.

In that moment Jesus called Peter to follow Him. Again, He used the language of Peter’s life – “From now on you will catch men.”

At that, Peter and his companions pulled their boats up on shore. Their old life was grounded. They left everything. They followed Him.

This decision to follow Jesus continues to call me into new life. It continues to be a radical change. I’m continually reminded to leave everything.

From time to time, I have to look around and see what I’ve picked up again. Once again I have to ground my boat. For I cannot keep the old and follow the New at the same time. What will I leave behind today? Lord, show me where to loosen my grip on the things that are trying to grip me.