‘One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.’ Luke 5:1-3(NLT)
‘When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.’ Luke 5:4-11(NLT)
‘It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”’ Isaiah 6:1-5(NLT)
‘Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”’ Revelation 4:8-11(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
As Jesus continues to bring the light into the world, He finds himself standing by the lake of Gennesaret — surrounded. Here we see more of the challenges that Jesus faced as He sought to accomplish what He was sent to do. He is followed wherever He goes. People press in upon Him from all sides trying to get closer to Him. How does He respond? What can you learn from His example, and how can you apply it to your everyday challenges?
GOING DEEPER
Thank God for His lovingkindness to reveal Jesus to us in His Word. Even though we couldn’t be there when the events happened, God brings those significant events to us in His Word. Read Luke 5:4-11. We have a wonderful opportunity to witness a beautiful and powerful moment in Peter’s life.
1. What does Jesus ask Simon Peter to do?
2. What happens?
3. What is Peter’s response? Did everyone respond to Jesus in this way? Who do you think opened his eyes to see?
4. What does Jesus say?
Read Isaiah 6:1-5 where God reveals himself to Isaiah. What did Isaiah experience? What is Isaiah’s response?
Read Revelation 4:8-11. It describes the response of the heavenly beings to God Most High.
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Think of a time when you saw God so clearly that it caused you to worship.
Pause for a moment, close your eyes, and bow your head. Imagine yourself in Peter’s shoes. Now imagine yourself in Isaiah’s shoes. Close your eyes again and meditate on the idea of being in the presence of your King, your God, your Lord Most High and then pray. God has called you as He called Peter and Isaiah.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 5