Today’s Encouragement is, “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 5:9-11 NLT
And Followed –
Simon Peter, James, and John were full-time fishermen; it was their job, a lifetime career, a family business; everyone they knew was a fisherman. Now, after one brief interaction with Jesus, one encounter, one conversation, and following His guidance, they experienced an awesome catch of fish! It had to be amazing, because these guys had seen it all; they knew fishing!
Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid!” They must have been amazed, confused, and afraid because of the incredible miracle they’d just witnessed. So Jesus, as He does today, reassured, calmed, and comforted them with His words.
Notice they didn’t fall to their knees to worship Him, they didn’t run up and hug Him and say “Thank You so much for giving us this wonderful catch of a lifetime!”
Their response was to leave everything and follow Him! Career, valuable catch of fish, boats, nets, their very lives- all left behind, to follow Him! As soon as they landed! No hesitation, no consultation with friends and family, just obeying His words!
We, too, can consider everything as insignificant (Philippians 3:8) compared to following Him!
Father, please help us to do the same; to not be afraid, to leave everything, and to faithfully, wholeheartedly, follow Jesus!
Every Time I Breathe
Big Daddy Weave
https://youtu.be/VyeFgUl-H1k?si=Q5dcjv3rYGvkSY4h