Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Israel Blog Tour... The Sea of Galilee

A Boat Waiting...

Luke 5:1-10


So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee), and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.


When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  
So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”
For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

                        ___________________________________________________________

Tired, yet rested.
Drained, yet filled.
Exhausted, yet refreshed.

Once again the crowd presses in. He feels the intense force squeezing from every direction. The weight is almost too much for Jesus to bear... both physically and spiritually. Beads of sweat emerge on His forehead. In a matter of minutes His tunic is drenched. A chill electrifies a lightening bolt igniting a shiver throughout His body. 

Fully human, yet entirely God. 

He prays in silence as He skirts along the shore, "Father, I'm not made to do this alone. I need help... Your help. Is it time to call in the troops - my disciples? I long to spend time with the ones you have chosen to be by my side. Please open the door for this team to come together soon! I trust your timing, but I really am exhausted. Father you know I have wrestled with Satan's temptations in the wilderness, experienced rejection in my own hometown of Nazareth, faced demon-possessed men, healed the sick, and made the blind see. I am lonely and long for true friends to join me in this journey. Please help me know when the time is right to call our appointed men. I trust you." 

As the crowd thickens He spots two boats. At that moment He realizes His Father answered His prayer by providing a place of refuge. Stepping into the first boat, Jesus lets out a quiet sigh of relief. Turning to Simon, the owner, Jesus says, "Thank you for providing me a place to rest. Do you mind pulling away from the shore so I can speak to the crowd from in here?" With an odd look on his face, Simon grants the request. Jesus, knowing Simon's heart, smiles and begins speaking to the crowd. 

In amazement thoughts plunge through Simon's mind like, Who is this man of wonder? I've never heard the Torah taught with such authority and passion. Then as if out of no where, Jesus turns to Simon and gently commands him to take the boat further out into the deep. Is He kidding? I fished all night and didn't catch a thing. The fish just aren't biting today. Almost as if Jesus perceived Simon's thoughts, He added, "Oh and by the way, when we get there I want you to throw the net into the deep." Simon glanced at the throng of people staring at the boat. He pauses as He faces this choice, one that could change the course of his life forever. A mind debate erupts, Do I follow this man of wonder or do I worry that the people will think I have gone crazy. It is obvious we didn't catch fish last night. Never the less I will obey! 

One by one the throng of people begin screaming and shouting, "Look at Simon! His net is overflowing with fish. Both boats are filled to the brim. This is unbelievable!" Upon reaching the shore, Simon and his fishing partners leave all their possessions, including the largest catch of their lifetime, and follow this Man of Wonder... Jesus... Master... Savior!

All in God's timing. Jesus' prayer. Answered with A Boat Waiting. 

Challenge for the Week...  Does God have a boat waiting for you? Is Jesus asking to go with you along the shores of life? Possibly He is directing you to a deeper place? Are you afraid? Where are your eyes focused... on Jesus or others? Resist saying "No" Him. Think of what Simon would have missed if He'd focused on others! 

RLM News...
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From My Heart to Yours,

Carla McDougal
www.reflectivelifeministries.org
Posted by Carla McDougal at 1:53 PM
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