Luke 5:1-11  Picture Jesus standing on the beach... teaching.. and the crowd "pressing around Him".  The people hungered to hear what He would say next. Yet, with the crowd pressing in, only a few could hear well.  Jesus solved the problem by getting into Simon's boat and asking him to go out into deeper water.  "And He sat down and began teaching the multitudes from the boat." 

Luke doesn't tell us what this sermon was about, but he tells us what happens next.  Surely Simon Peter heard the message, as he was familiar with Jesus enough to know that He was the Master.  So, when Jesus told him to put down the nets again.. he did so.  He didn't expect anything to happen because they had caught no fish at all through the night.  "And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break; and they signaled their partners in the other boat, for them to come help them... " 

This was a turning point in Simon Peter's life.. " But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet."  Peter finally realized that Jesus was more than a teacher. He was filled with amazement.. and so were James and John. Luke does not mention Andrew here, but the other gospels tell us that he too was fishing with the others.  John tells us that Andrew was already a follower of Jesus and had told his brother Peter about Him.  Perhaps Peter was on the edge about becoming a disciple of Jesus.. but after this, he was ready to commit fully.  "And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." 

Jesus had a purpose for these fishermen... He called them to a new life " .. from now on you will be catching men."  

Jesus asked Peter for a favor.. He blessed his obedience.. He received his worship.. and He gave him a new job.  Peter's life was changed forever in those few minutes.  Andrew, James and John were also given the privilege of becoming the disciples of Jesus Christ that day.  Jesus calls those who He wills.. He gives us the opportunity to be part of His Life and to have  the privilege of serving with Him. When Jesus asks us to do something... even as simple as lending Him a seat on a boat.. let us be willing to obey.  We never know what He will do with our acts of obedience... but may our eyes be open to see just Who He is... the Lord of all!

Father, we bless Your Holy Name, for You are good and kind and gracious.  You have given to us such a wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ , Your Son.  We desire to encounter Him today.. walking in His light and following His example in all we do.  Fill us Spirit of God that we might grow in wisdom and understanding.. in knowing Jesus more and being changed by His Presence to the glory of God our Father. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.