GOING BACK FISHING
I would like to share the story of Peter with you today, how did he become such a powerful man of God?
“And believers were the more added to the Lord… Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least THE SHADOW OF PETER passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and THEY WERE HEALED EVERY ONE.” (Acts 5:14-16) [Peter went through a rough place and actually gave up his calling that Jesus had called him to do.] “There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.” (John 21:2-3) [Peter said “I go” the word he used is “hupagō” which means to withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight)! He said “I’m giving up this ministering and going back to fishing.” His first night on his new job he caught nothing!] “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.” (John 21:4-6) [Why did Jesus bless Peter on his new job? He wanted to see where Peter heart was!] “Jesus saith unto them, BRING OF THE FISH WHICH YE HAVE NOW CAUGHT. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land FULL OF GREAT FISHES, AN HUNDRED AND FIFTY AND THREE: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest [agapaō] thou me MORE THAN THESE? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love [phileō] thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” (John 21:10, 11, 15) [Jesus asked “do you love me with a love of devotion? Peter said “I like you Lord!” Twice this exchange proceeded then Jesus said the third time “Peter, do you even like me? This grieved Peter and woke him up and he became a great, miracle working apostle after being filled with the Holy Spirit!]
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WHEN WE LOVE THE LORD WITH THE LOVE OF DEVOTION WE WILL DO GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS! -Bill Stockham