2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Today's daily bread is Luke 5:10-11.
Luke 5:10-11 (KJV) And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.
Jesus takes the opportunity of this miracle to call His disciples into a Teacher–student relationship with Him. He figuratively catches Peter in His net before commanding him to 'catch men' for the Kingdom of God. Immediately, Peter, Andrew, James, and John leave their boats and nets behind and follow Him. They now understand that Jesus is more than capable of supplying their every need.
We are to apply this lesson in our own lives. When Christ speaks, it is always about obedience to God's way of life. In this case, His teaching affected the disciples' livelihoods. Worship and work form major parts of our lives, too, and in both we must consistently maintain righteousness.
Had Peter failed to obey Christ's command, he would have failed to experience both the miracle and the resulting blessing. No one serves God without being compensated for his service. When we serve, sacrifice, testify, or stand for Him, He will suitably reward our efforts. When God asks us to invest our time, effort, talent, or anything else, we must not resent the opportunity. No one pays dividends on an investment as abundantly as God does -- 'good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom' (Luke 6:38).
Personally, I'm also reminded of a few things myself. Imagine the commitment these guys are making at this moment. They have just made the biggest catch of their career. They've got work to do! If you don't think those boats full of fish weren't worth some serious money, you haven't eaten at Red Lobster lately! And yet, they walked away from it, just like that, and never gave it a second thought!
I doubt the fish actually spoiled. Lots of neighbors and hopefully many of the poor probably got a free dinner out of the deal. But back to their striking response here. They just walked away from it -- the biggest catch of their career! Why? To follow Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord! I pray that we would be so bold and so wise should a similar situation arise in our lives.
Do you think they made a mistake? How does this relate to us? We are not all called into full-time 'vocational' Christian service, but we are all called to full-time Christian living and total Christian commitment. If the Lord should, say, call you to the mission field, would you go? What's holding you back? Nothing more than a boatload of smelly old fish.
What if the Lord should call us to the mission field or some other full-time ministry? What should hold us back? Nothing should hold us back except the realization that he has called us to stay and send others. What manner of man is He? Such a man that the privilege of being His disciple in any capacity is worth leaving anything -- worth leaving everything -- for.
May we be prepared to do so when He calls us. Rest assured, He will call (is calling).
(SOURCE: The Berean with some comments added)
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