March 21: Of a Tired Fisherman’s Choices

Numbers 32:1-33:39

Luke 4:31-5:11

Psalm 64:1-10

Proverbs 11:22

Peter had worked hard all night and hadn't caught anything.  He was washing his nets - not an easy task when no running water was available, I imagine - when some new teacher asks to use his boat, and asks him to push off so he can preach.  Peter, probably hoping for something from the man, agrees.  He's probably sitting there, listening to him, perhaps wondering if this is going to be worth his time, even regretting the trouble he's taken after a long, hard day.  

As the man finishes, Peter's about to bring the boat back to shore, when the man stops him and tells him to do the opposite - to "put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch".  At this point, Peter's mind is probably running through the hard, fruitless night he's just had, how he's just washed his nets, how tired he is, and how this guy is a carpenter, and there probably isn't going to be any point, because there just aren't any fish.

Despite all that, and only because this carpenter who's never fished a day in his life said so, Peter chooses to say yes.  Peter chooses, despite all evidence to the contrary.  Despite the ache in his bones and the frustration in his mind, despite the certainty he isn't going to catch anything, despite knowing what is in store for him for his obedience, he chooses to say yes. Peter CHOOSES.

We know Jesus's response to Peter.  He blesses him with an abundance Peter did not imagine, did not think possible.  

For all of us, it's been a long, hard year.  We have been through fruitless days, and we're tired, and worried for our families as Peter was, and we worry that tomorrow is going to bring more of the same, or worse.  Perhaps we might learn from Peter's experience.  

1. He was open.  He gave Jesus a chance.  Although he as was tired, he let Jesus use his boat.  He put himself in a position to hear His word.  
2. He was humble.  Instead of insisting he'd already done enough lending Jesus his boat, he went the extra (nautical) mile, setting for deep water when he wanted to go home.
3. He trusted.  Despite all evidence to the contrary, likely because of what he'd heard, he chose to let down his nets.

During this pandemic, when income and provision are threatened, when health is at risk, and when we are forced to face things alone, I pray we make Peter's choices.  Let's give Jesus a chance to speak to us in scripture and prayer.  Let's humble ourselves and recognize our loving Savior knows better than we do.  And let us choose to trust Him knowing He will protect and provide when both seem impossible.