Gripped to Follow

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deeper part, and let down your nets for a catch.’
⁵ ‘Master,’ replied Simon, ‘we were working hard all night and caught nothing at all. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.’
⁶ When they did so, they caught such a huge number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷ They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. So, they came, and filled both the boats, and they began to sink.
⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees.
‘Go away,’ he said. ‘Leave me, Lord! I’m a sinner!’ ⁹ He and all his companions were gripped with amazement at the catch of fish they had taken; ¹⁰ this included James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ said Jesus to Simon. ‘From now on you’ll be catching people.’
¹¹ They brought the boats in to land. Then they abandoned everything and followed him.
Luke 5:4-11 NTE

            Reading this story over a hundred times in my lifetime, maybe five hundred, I missed something. Children ask questions, which leads me to be wowed. Reading my seven- year old at the time, Anden, this story led to a deeper understanding.

            With eyes wide and in a very surprised voice, “wait a minute, they left all the fish that they just caught?!” asked Anden.

            His questions stopped me. Yes, I knew they left their nets and their old life behind, but I never thought about leaving the current blessing or the big gift that they were given. They left what they thought they longed for. Jesus gave them what they were striving for, working toward, toiling after…But after an encounter with Him, they left everything. They left the blessing, the gift, the financial gain…for Jesus.

            Jesus must have been so powerful, tender, peaceful…His essence must have quenched the hunger in their souls, His love must have captured them. Which led me to think: on a daily basis, do I long for Jesus most?

What is my prayer request? Do I long for Jesus more than what I am asking for?

Jesus,
Help me to always choose to follow You and seek You most. In Jesus name


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