THE BIBLE-TEACHING MINISTRY OF CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
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A funny thing happened in Darlington, Maryland, several years ago. Edith, a mother of eight, was coming home from a neighbour's house one Saturday afternoon. Things seemed too quiet as she walked across her front yard. Curious, she peered through the screen door and saw five of her youngest children huddled together, concentrating on something. As she crept closer to them, trying to discover the centre of attention, she could not believe her eyes. Smack dab in the middle of the circle were five baby skunks. Edith screamed at the top of her voice, “Quick children … run!” Each kid grabbed a skunk and ran. Some days are like that, aren't they? You just think you've got problems until you try to deal with them. When you do, they multiply. Jesus was not preserved from such pressure when He was walking among us. On one particular occasion things happened at such a rapid rate, He could scarcely get His breath. I'm thinking of those events recorded in Luke 4:31-44. He was teaching on a regular basis in the synagogue. He was answering people's questions, facing their criticisms, dodging the Pharisees' and Sadducees' bullets, casting out demons, living with all the complications that accompany increased popularity, healing the sick, confronting the forces of evil … it's all there. Check for yourself. He attempted to find a quiet place only to be found by “crowds … searching for Him” who “tried to keep Him from going away from them” (Luke 4:42). No escape possible. The relentless public kept right on siphoning away His energy. Ultimately, according to the fifth chapter of Luke, He found a place to be alone — at least somewhat alone. He stepped into a boat and took a seat. Once He caught His breath, He “began teaching the people from the boat” (5:3). What a man! Though His emotions were spent and His body was weary, He stayed at it. At last, He was able to draw things to a close, at least with the crowd of people. But there was a bit of unfinished business Jesus needed to take care of. Let's let Luke describe it.
No one can criticize Peter for being reluctant. Old Simon knew those waters. Furthermore, he'd been at it all night and caught zilch. Hard work, no catch. Naturally, the guy would frown and resist. But he wisely surrendered. What happened was nothing short of miraculous.
Because I love to fish, I find that scene terribly inviting. I mean, so many fish were caught that both boats began to sink. My first thought? “What a way to go!” If you're gonna die, can anything be more satisfying to a fisherman than dying waist deep in fish? I have caught 60, big speckled trout off Matagorda Island in less than 30 minutes. I've caught more than 30 prize-winning salmon in Alaska in a little more than an hour. I caught my limit of walleye and northern pike early one morning in central Canada, an enormous ugly hammerhead shark off the coast of Miami, a yellowfin tuna off the north shore of Kauai … but never have I ever been in a boat so heavy with fish that the thing began to sink! That's because I have never fished with Jesus. When the Master of heaven, earth, sea, and sky calls the shots, things happen, which explains Peter's explosive reaction:
Notice anything unusual? Earlier, Peter called Jesus “Master.” After the miracle: “Lord.” Gripped with the realization that he was in the boat with the living God, Peter sounded like Isaiah of old, “Woe is me!” I find Jesus' words a little surprising.
There the two of them stood, hip deep in fish, and Jesus talked about “catching fish?” No. Fish meant little to Him; they were merely an illustration to teach a deeper message by analogy. On His heart was “catching” human beings. His real message was deepwater faith. Did the fishermen get the message?
Amazing, huh? Once they heard His invitation, they literally dropped everything and ran. Ponder everything. Their lifelong occupation. Their familiar surroundings. Their own goals. Their nets, boats, and business. Everything. To be candid with you, I am impressed with their response. I've been thinking a lot about why. I'm ready to suggest six reasons people are willing to drop everything and follow Jesus Christ. Each reason could be stated in a principle.
Is your life full of appointments, activities, hassles, and hurry? Trying to find all your security in your work…in your own achievements? Maybe it's time for a mental boat trip out into the deep. Maybe it's time to listen, lest you intensify your problem. And when Jesus says, “Follow Me,” do it. Unlike Edith's kids, drop everything and run.
About the Author: Chuck Swindoll Chuck Swindoll