"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wondered how He could love me, a sinner declared 'unclean.'" Peter could have penned those lines as he fell to his knees before Jesus in this passage. Amazed and astonished by the power and presence of Jesus.
I'm sure Peter's heart was already stirred by Jesus' teaching, otherwise he wouldn't have gone fishing after having been out all night doing it with nothing to show for his efforts. We don't really know what Jesus taught, but at the end of His teaching on the Sermon on the Mount the people's response was amazement and that He taught as one having authority.
Apparently Jesus didn't do any fancy mumbo jumbo. He simply said, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." They did and were overrun with no doubt the biggest catch of their lives. So big it almost sunk their boat. Now, that's a lot of fish. The sight, the experience, the presence of Jesus issued a humbled response from the rugged fisherman.
Without a hell, fire and brimstone message from Jesus, Peter came to a quick realization of his own character and nature. He confessed he was a sinner and not worthy to be in the presence of Jesus. But you don't see condemnation by Jesus. You see an invitation to be with Him. Not only just to hang around with Him, but actually be a part of a world changing team. No way! Way!
Peter, James, and John put their boats into shore, left their nets, their boats, their business, their fish, their homes, their families and followed Jesus on the spot. It doesn't say that they took their fish to market, washed up their nets, put their boats in dry dock and then followed Jesus. It doesn't even say that they packed an overnight bag. The text says they left everything and followed Jesus. They now had new careers and a new calling and a new life.
Have you ever really had an encounter with Jesus? I don't mean observed Him from a distance. I mean a personal, face to face experience with Jesus. If you did, you'd be singing the same tune. How marvelous! How wonderful is my savior's love for me.
God, you don't have to wow me with some miracle or fancy hocus pocus. You wow me simply by your presence. I'm overwhelmed by your love and grace and mercy and strength and nature alone. Your words stir my heart and mind and challenge my thoughts and actions. I'm drawn to you! I want to know you more.
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