Morning Reflections: A Fresh Start with Daily Devotions

TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2023

TEXT: Luke 5:1-16

1. Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God,

2. he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.

3. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

4. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

5. Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6. When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.

7. SO they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

8. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

9. For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken;

10. and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.”

11. When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

12. Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.”

13. Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched hi, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him.

14. And he ordered him to tell no one. “go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.”

15. But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases.

16. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

(New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: LEAVING EVERYTHING AND FOLLOW HIM

Following Jesus Christ requires leaving our past behind, not just acknowledging Him as Saviour. But it also involves the huge sacrifice of leaving one’s position, achievements and all that someone has acquired behind.

Simon Peter had to leave behind the large catch of fish that almost tore the net. In our time, Simon would have made a lot money from that huge catch.

Following Jesus Christ has nothing to do with fear because He will take care of you as He did with Simon and his companion who had worked throughout the night but catch nothing (vs. 4-7).

However, in obedience to Jesus’ advice, he cast his net in the right place and made a huge catch (vs. 5).

Following Jesus Christ also requires full allegiance, not divided loyalty. That was why Simon left everything and followed Jesus (vs. 11).

But some pastors find it difficult to leave their flourishing businesses and even after being called into full ministry.

Simon Peter committed his future into the hands of Jesus as the One that knows and leads the way and never regretted it.

QUESTION: What are you still holding back even as you follow Jesus Christ today?

PRAYER: Oh Lord, help me to leave my wealth, achievements, etc, behind and follow You wholeheartedly, in Jesus name. Amen.