Your Life—Jesus’ Platform for Ministry
Have you ever stopped to think about the ones Jesus called to be his disciples, or question His intentions in selecting such a rag-tag team of followers? Do you question if you are called, and what your ministry is supposed to look like?
This morning—as I study God’s Word in Luke chapter 5, which depicts the calling of Jesus’ first disciples—I am struck by these questions and some new insights from the Holy Spirit that I’d like to share with you.
Imagine Simon’s shock as the young Rabbi steps onto his boat and tells him to shove out onto the lake. He must have thought to himself, “that’s perfect, after a long night of fishing—without catching anything—my boat is now being used as a platform for some preacher’s ministry.” He must have felt like he was at the wrong place, at exactly the wrong time. After all, there was still work to be done—the other fishermen where gathered at the shore mending and washing their nets—and he was being put out by this stranger. But, somehow he was persuaded. Perhaps through curiosity or just simply humoring Jesus because there was a crowd gathering. Simon captained his boat out into the shallows for Jesus to continue his teaching.
The Scripture does not tell us what Jesus spoke about that day while teaching from Simon’s boat; but we can know for sure that it was anointed, authoritative, and life changing—because we know that lives are forever transformed when the Incarnate “Word of God” speaks. It was this same “Word of God” that spoke directly to Simon as the narrative continues in verses 4-11:
…[Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.”
It must have been a very difficult directive for Simon to follow. He was “the fisherman” and Jesus was just a spiritual advisor—what could He possibly know about fishing. Simon knew that the time for fishing had come and gone and had no expectation that they would catch anything at this point. But he had just heard the “Master” speak, and by faith he set out to deeper waters.
When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.
But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken…
Amazing! Jesus demonstrates His power to these lowly fishermen with a miraculous sign and wonder. However, it is no wonder that Simon falls to his knees—he was a man undone, like the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6)—in an attitude of repentance and reverence before “The Master Rabbi” he cries out. He immediately feels a deep sense of unworthiness and shame.
But, look at what Jesus says next,
…“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be a fisher of men.” [And] when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.
Jesus immediately addressed Simon’s sense of worthlessness and speaks with words of grace and mercy—not only affirming him to have no fear or concern, but also releasing him into a new journey and “calling;” to become a “fisher of men.” Jesus had a purpose for him, and he was already equipped and uniquely qualified because of his current vocation—a fisherman.
It was Simon, the humble fisherman, of whom Jesus said, “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18). The same Peter, who stood on the day of Pentecost and lead over 3000 people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Messiah and spiritual savior; and, who initially brought the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.
I am so invigorated by this Scripture reading this morning, and I hope to encourage you in your faith as well. I believe that if you want to understand the heart of God and the ministry of Jesus on the earth, you need to take a close look at his friends and those he chose as his disciples. This motley crew was the very least of Jesus’ generation—fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes, and criminals. He didn’t go looking for the best dressed, best looking, most religious people he could find to share the deepest mysteries of God’s Kingdom with. And why, you may ask—because God’s Kingdom is not about how great we are, but rather how great and mighty God is.
Peter was going about his business, much like many of us today, and Jesus suddenly interrupted him. Jesus took the very tools of Peter’s livelihood and literally made them a platform for ministry. And today, I believe that is what Jesus wants to do with us—to interrupt our lives and make our occupations His very platform for ministry. He wants to take us into deeper territories with Him and empower us to use our natural giftings under the power, anointing, and unction of the Holy Spirit to multiply our efforts for the glory of God’s Kingdom.
If you are soundly saved, then you are confidently called. We all have a unique calling and ministry in God’s purpose and plan, and God wants to take our unique qualities, personalities, positions, and the tools to use us to establish His Kingdom on the earth. It doesn’t matter who we are, but rather who Christ is in us. Peter didn’t wake up one morning and say, “I’m going to be used by God to start a worldwide movement centered on Jesus Christ.” He was embraced by the love of the Father, impacted by the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, and empowered by the leading of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all that God had for him. In the same way God has called and qualified us. Will you respond to the “Master’s” voice and be released into your calling and mission field today?