When Jesus met Peter, He borrowed his boat to teach the people. Then Jesus filled their nets overflowing with fish, calling out to Peter to follow Him. What is Peter’s response? He falls down in front of Jesus, overwhelmed by his inadequacy, and tells Jesus to flee from him.
“Don’t you know what you are signing up for, Lord? Don’t you know my many sins? Here is your chance to leave, to choose someone better; I would understand.”
Jesus replies, “Don’t be afraid.” I imagine Him saying this tenderly, and maybe with a little laughter, like when someone tells a child they don’t need to be afraid of the monster under their bed. “Don’t be afraid, Peter; I know you completely. Don’t be afraid, Peter; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid, Peter; I have a special purpose for you. Don’t be afraid, Peter; I have loved you with and everlasting love.”
The monster under our bed is no match for Jesus. In the face of all our inadequacy, He calls out to us, “Don’t be afraid! Follow Me and I will make what you have more than enough.”
Are we willing to listen?
-Elle Humes
(Luke 5:1-11)