The Faith of the Called

Luke 5:1-11

The life of faith is inherently a journey if our faith is at all living. That reality is seen quite clearly in Peter’s life as a whole and unveiled quite dramatically when one looks microscopically at his call.

Peter’s faith journey began with a simple and unrefined curiosity regarding the things of the kingdom explained by Jesus as He taught the multitudes from Peter’s boat. That curiosity, still untested, became cynicism when the Master bid Peter to change the location of his nets to have a better chance at success. This cynicism sprung from a proud heart who thought he knew best how to master his own profession. Soon the cynicism melted into fear when the Master’s suggestions yielded a miraculous catch of fish. The fear gave way to unreserved abandonment when Peter recognized that Jesus was inviting him to enjoin His heart and mission. Peter forsook and followed the One whom moments before he had asked to depart.

Where do we find ourselves on our faith journey? Many that we minister to are either curious or cynical and need desperately to encounter the power of Christ to bring meaning, vitality, and hope into their mundane life circumstances. Many, like Peter, are gripped by fear and paralyzed by the presence of the One who makes them fall prostrate in fear. But God is calling us to push beyond the curiosity, the cynicism, and fear and press on to a deeper and more meaningful faith; a faith that is manifest by a total abandonment of all that we possess and hold dear. May we answer that call to be fishers of men.