Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
The miraculous catch of fish had left Simon overwhelmed (to say the least!) at the majesty and power of Jesus. Fear can paralyze us or prompt us. Jesus urges Simon to allow his fear to do the latter. We were never meant to sit in a frozen state of fear instead, we are to go forth in His power to do His good works that He has “prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). The word Jesus used here for “fear” is the Greek word “Phobeomai” meaning fear, terror, respect, honor – to cause to run away, terrify, frighten. Am I the only one out there whose first impulse is to run away when terrified? It makes me feel better that Simon Peter might have wanted to too. Just as Jesus’ words were reassuring for Peter, they are for us also. “Don’t be afraid” says Jesus - adding that now Peter would be catching men. Hopefully, we will do likewise! Interestingly, the text goes on to say that these seasoned fishermen pulled their boats up on shore and left everything to follow Jesus. Doesn’t that pique your curiosity? These men left everything – everything to follow Jesus. He wasn’t offering them worldly riches, status or success. He was offering them something far better - the opportunity for kingdom work. He was holding out to them the possibility for eternal purposes and riches. To be parts of a greater plan than they could have ever imagined in their wildest dreams! I love how Paul puts it in I Corinthians: However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him" -- 1 Cor 2:9 (NIV) These fishermen were not sacrificing they were gaining. The abundant life is not as much about sacrifice, what you are giving up, but about what you are getting instead! As Chip Ingram states: “It is not renunciation but about reevaluation; it is not noble and sacrificial, it is wise and logical”. Considering our time on earth is at best short, to live for the here and now and not for eternal purposes seems a bit short sighted. Again, according to Ingram, “Those who live for this world have short term gain and long term pain yet those who live for eternal purposes, have short term pain and long term gain. These disciples had a realization that “total commitment is the channel through which God’s biggest and best blessings flow” (Ingram). This is the reason behind Paul’s urgency in Romans 12:1-2: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
This is not about our salvation that is referred to here, this is about our sanctification and living the abundant life God desires for all of His children to live. You may be saved, and you could miss this! It is good, it is pleasing, it is perfect. This is what Paul was referring to in First Corinthians: 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. 1 Cor 3:11-15 (NIV)
Our goal should NOT be to enter heaven with a charred rear end! Our goal is to store up for ourselves riches in heaven not wood, hay and stubble which will POOF in the fire! Concerning this very issue, in his final days on earth, Paul gives this charge to Timothy his son in the faith:
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Tim 6:17-19 (NIV)
Our desire, as followers of Christ, should be to take hold of the life that is truly life!