And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net broke. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, 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 was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

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.

Remember Part 1 of this study, where we talked about “The Calling; The Choices”? Quite a different account of the calling of these very same men was given. Contradiction? Of course not. How often does God call men unto Himself only to have them to go back to the things of their former occupations. Nothing unusual about that at all, today. Why should it be any different back then? Man is still man; still caught up in his things; still not really willing to do what little God requires of us. How many folks make a profession of faith, join a church; and, then, for whatever reason, go back to their old lifestyles, only slightly changed, if changed at all? Sometimes God has to get our attention, so we know beyond doubt that He is talking to us.

Jesus was obviously doing the things which a son of God should do: teaching, healing, praying, using every opportunity to the maximum. First, He got Simon (Peter) to separate himself from the others by getting him to move the boat for Him; so Peter got the full import of the lesson, whatever it may have been. I’d bet it was on discipleship. Then, He tells Peter to do something really stupid; at least to Peter, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.”

Peter was a fisherman. Fishermen fished at night. That’s the way it’s done. Fish just aren’t caught in the daytime; everyone knew that. Let’s suppose that Jesus just wanted to reward Peter for the use of the boat. When He did, Peter and his friends could not believe what they saw! You see, Peter, Andrew, James and John had heard John the Baptist, believed what he had taught. Then, they met Jesus, and they believed what He had taught. But, they had not committed their lives into God’s hands. Peter thought he knew the problem, told Jesus what it was, “I am a sinful man.” Aren’t we all? But, that’s not the problem at all. Jesus points this out, “Fear not…”

FEAR, how long will we allow you to rule our life? “I’m affeared of what’s happening in the world”, as if we could, individually, do anything about it. Likewise, “I’m affeared of the economy of our nation.” “I’m affeared of losing all my freedoms.” “I’m affeared I may have to do without my things.” “I’m affeared of my health.” “I’m affeared of being alone. I’m affeared; I’m affeared…..” On, and on and on.

Jesus had just dumped a month’s wages into these guys’ boats. At the wrong time of day, in the wrong place (you never catch fish close to the dock), and Peter was still close enough to call for help. The consequence of following Jesus’ example is obvious: “Don’t have to worry about…” How much more does God have to provide for you before….you decide that you don‘t have to worry…? We’re not here just to get fed, but to work for the one who feeds us. However, most choose to devote their time to work for a living: it’s apparently so much fun everyone does it. We’re really here to fish, to “…catch men.” But, now with “guile”; remember Part 1, and Nathanael?

But, HOW? FEAR, “I can’t do that”. “I can do all things through Christ….” But, HOW? Just like Jesus did. Bless someone with what God has put at your disposal. After all, like the fish, it all belongs to God anyway. How dare we claim anything for ourselves beyond any real necessity, and not be ready to give the rest to bless someone else? And, not just the ten percent, either, Pharisee. Jesus is demonstrating a real blessing, not required service. A real blessing reveals God; because all real blessings come from God. A real blessing flows thru God’s love in us to the intended. And, the recipient doesn’t have to be told from whence it comes. They know, even if they don’t acknowledge it. Common blessings are provided for the good and the bad; like life, rain, and sunshine, etc, etc. Real blessings stand out; they get our attention; they prompt us to respond to the real source, God. Real blessings involve time and goods; the things upon which we place a premium. When we take the time… When we give the best we have… The recipient takes notice, just because it is not the usual. Not just the “hand-out”. Not just the “attention”. It’s the real thing, the “love of God shed abroad…” Everyone knows it when they see it, no matter what their status in life; whether they say so or not; whether they respond the way we expect or not; no matter how small we think it is. They know. No mistaking it! You catch them by surprise!

Surprise! “You didn’t expect this, but…” Surprise! “This is my best, but…” Surprise! I ain’t got much, but…” Surprise! “Don’t know why, but…” Surprise! “This is for you…” “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Surprise!! To Whom am I giving this?

When we understand that it is the beggar, the needy, the helpless, the prisoner, the stranger and the pauper (even if he’s in rich man’s clothes) who will bear witness to our love of God in the judgment………And, you don’t want them in your heaven with you? Which one are you? Better think about that…… Which of these have you been in your life? Go, read, St. Matthew 25:31 - 46. If you don’t do these things… “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” I didn’t say that, Jesus did! Works don’t save you, but without real works……I wouldn’t want to meet my Maker face to face.

And, to think that one here, one there, when convenient, when without cost, without sacrifice will amount to anything worth rewarding is ludicrous. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap…… And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint (fear) not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

“If we faint not” means “if we never cease”, not just get tired. “As we have opportunity” means “at every opportunity”, not just when convenient. “All men” means “every person”, not just “them who are of the household of faith.” God does not leave anyone out; how can we? Why do we? Because we have no real intention of loving God, or our neighbor as our self.