September 22, 2021: SOAP #4311:  Daniel 9-10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 5:6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”

Acts (NIV) 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ,,,41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

OBSERVATION: Jesus gave Peter a visual picture of what Peter could expect.  They caught so many fish they needed help from another boat; then both boats began to sink!   Jesus spoke directly to Peter.  He changed Peter’s occupation from being a fisherman to being a fisher of men!  

Some time later after Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit had filled the believers, a crowd gathered to see what was happening.  Who was it that stood before the crowd to preach?  None other than the fisherman to whom Jesus spoke after the big catch!   The results of the message that day: 3,000 people believed Peter’s message and were baptized!!!  

APPLICATION:  When Jesus draws my attention to something unique (like a large catch of fish or the vision of a sheet let down from heaven), I need to pay attention.  He may be preparing me for a special future ministry.  It may be to 3000 as for Peter.  It may be for ministry to a strange Gentile as for Peter in Acts 10.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, many times I have prayed for you to use me for your glory.  Again, I offer myself to you.  Have your will in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!