Life’s Turning Points

That day, as always, a large crowd gathered around the young rabbi, new on the scene. Amazed at his wonderful teaching, they sought him out wherever he went. And now that news of his miracles had spread, the throng pressed against him even more, nearly backing him into the Sea of Galilee. So Jesus, boarding Simon Peter’s boat, requested, “Row out a little way from the shore.” 

It was early morning. Yet Peter, tired from a long night of fruitless fishing, complied. He knew this rabbi, and knew there was something different about him.

He’d been there when the water turned to wine. And he’d been awed, frightened even, at seeing Jesus drive the merchants and money-changers from the temple. Here was one with power and authority. One worth listening to.

So although weary, and possibly discouraged, Peter rowed away from the shore.

Glad to have a front row seat. Pleased at being near the teacher who drew him. “This Rabbi is special,” Peter thought, “and definitely sent by God. No one could do the miracles he does unless God sent him.”

“And he’s not just lining his own pockets either, like the religious leaders do. But as great as wine from water is…” he concluded, “it won’t line my pockets either.” And he desperately needed a good catch. Times had been hard lately. So even after seeing the Lord’s miracles, Peter had returned to his boat. Back to earning a living, in the only way he knew.

And then, when he’d finished his teaching – that’s when the Lord said, “Row out into the deep and let your nets down to catch some fish.” The Lord knew fishermen mostly worked at night. Perhaps he’d even seen Peter’s empty boat come in and knew they’d fished all night in vain.

Yet Peter, perhaps catching the Lord’s intense gaze, obeyed going against his fisherman’s instinct. “This is crazy!” he thought, “Everyone knows the fishing’s better at night! And yet, there’s something about this teacher…”

Or perhaps, before he could think at all, he was calling for help, the nets breaking with the weight of the fish. And seasoned fisherman that he was, Peter knew there was something miraculous about that catch. Just think of it, surely one of greatest ever seen in those parts!

That was a turning point for Peter

He had just pulled to shore the greatest catch of his career, enough to keep his family for a good while. Comfort within reach. But he didn’t seem to think of that at all.

A glimpse of Christ

He had caught a glimpse of Christ’s true identity. And in his delightfully spontaneous way, the burly fisherman threw himself at Jesus’ feet, knowing he wasn’t good enough to even be in his presence. And then the Lord called him to follow.

And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:10-11 ESV

It’s interesting that Jesus told Peter, “Don’t fear.” As though saying, “Nothing is impossible for me. So don’t worry; I’ll take care of you. Just follow me in total obedience.”

So instead of taking that huge catch to market, Peter and his companions left all and followed Christ. They’d caught sight of who and what Christ is. And with that vision filling their sights, they left all for the One they saw as worthy of everything.

Turning points in our our lives

Life’s turning points help us see who Christ really is.

Christ may not call everyone to leave work and home in the same way as Peter and his friends. But he is constantly working to bring us to the same point of true recognition and surrender. Of seeing that he alone is truly worthy of all, and that no sacrifice for him could ever be too great.

Which at times he does by allowing hard times, others through miracles and provision. Or sometimes through simple quiet happenings. All that enters our lives through his mighty hand is working to bring us to the pivotal turning point of our lives.

All who catch a glimpse of Christ’s true identity joyfully surrender all to follow him.

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And we are all called to wholeheartedly follow his will, leaving behind whatever he may ask.

They left everything and followed him.

Luke 5:11 ESV

Images from FreeBibleImages.org by www.LumoProject.com: Fish & Jesus on shore | 2 Fishing boats.