CLOSE OR FAR AWAY?
20th May 2020
On two occasions Jesus commanded Peter to follow Him.
Initially, Peter was intrigued by the reports he had heard about Jesus and was happy to get involved. A few days later he had fished all night without success and now his boat was being used as a pulpit. However, Jesus then instructs him to throw out the nets again, in broad daylight, and suddenly there are more fish than his boat can cope with.
Peter realised what had happened was supernatural and despite feeling totally inadequate heard Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” and he left everything and followed Him.
Three years later, despite having experienced so many wonderful miracles and knowing that Jesus was indeed The Messiah, Peter is following at a distance. Jesus has been arrested and Peter is emotionally torn in two. Following, but fearful, he finds himself denying Jesus, is devastated, disappointed and returns to fishing. Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter, “Follow me” is an eternal command and in Peter’s case led to another miraculous catch of fish. (John 21:1-9)
In Matthew 16:21-24 Jesus tells us that “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driving seat; I am.” In Peter’s case failure brought him to the place of practically understanding that he had to lean on Jesus, take the position of a follower, and trust the power of God, rather than himself.
However, forgiveness, grace and love are also in action and Jesus again calls Peter to follow Him. He is also calling each one of us into that same relationship of intimacy where we can know that even despite failure or self reliance, He will restore us as followers who can trust, listen, believe, cooperate with Him and be His friend.
So where are you in your following of Jesus? If you feel far away, a bit lost and sad; draw near, draw off His resources and experience first hand the joy of seeing Him work in you and through you. He wants you near, not like a reluctant animal, but to know His heart, hear His instructions, live in a wonderful partnership, and know the closeness of His presence, where there is fullness of joy.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
