The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Faith the Fishes

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who 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 from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

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

5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began 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 full that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:1-11

In this passage, we see the calling of Simon Peter through a powerful encounter. Jesus tells the beleaguered fisherman to forget all the futility he’s experienced the night before and let his nets down once again. Although it’s doubtful how much faith Peter has in catching anything at that point, he obeys and the fish filled his nets to the point of breaking. In an instant, we see Peter grasping who stands before him—Jesus is not like other men. He has power over the fish in the sea.

So Peter tells Jesus to go away. He knows he is a broken, sinful man, and he can’t stay in the presence of Jesus. He’s afraid. Jesus, in his graciousness, tells Peter to put away his fear because he has a new task for him, no longer catching fish, but people. What comes next shows incredible faith. Peter leaves his livelihood (fishing) and identity (fisherman) and follows Jesus.

The same is true for you. Once you encounter Jesus, you realize you are unworthy of his affection and kindness. You are aware of your sin. But Jesus redirects you. He gives you a new direction, a new identity, and a new task—to join him in the faith journey of telling others about Jesus. What a privilege!

Taken from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.