God's Gospel Truths

Pondering Point

When the ugliest parts of our character end up on display, it can be hard to be around others, especially those who we imagine will judge us negatively. After this miraculous and surprising catch of fish, Peter is “looking to get away” (as the old Southwest Airline Ads used to suggest).

But Jesus isn’t looking to embarrass Peter or highlight his shortcomings in this story. Instead, He is looking to usher in a different way of relating with Peter and teaching Him a different way to fish – not for fish but for men. God’s gospel truth is that Jesus wants to relate to you also – beyond your sin – into a partnership with Him. Don’t go away. Come to Him, and as Peter did, follow Jesus.

Prayer for the Day

Lord Jesus, come step into my life like you stepped into Peter’s boat. Show me how to live my life under your direction. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Life is a series of choices. Every yes is a thousand nos. Every activity we give our time to is a thousand other activities we can't give our time to. Because, duh: we can't be in two places at once. We have to learn to say “no.” Constantly. As Ann Lamont so humorously pointed out, “No” is a complete sentence. And it's one we need to work into our vocabulary. In the language of Henry David Thoreau, we have to “live deliberately.”
J.M. Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, p. 70