Friday June 30, 2023
Luke 5:10
And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
When Peter, in great distress because of sin, asked Jesus to depart from him, he did not feel that he was very well fitted to be a fisher of men and women.
But at that very time Jesus was preparing him for his great work. Peter had now become so small and insignificant in his own estimation that Jesus could use him. His was now the humble heart to which God gives grace. Grace also to win people.
Note also that Peter had now become willing to do the task to which he had been called and which entailed such great sacrifices. We have only the brief, but significant, word: “And when they had brought their boats to land, they left all, and followed him!”
Thus it is that the Lord prepares all of His workers.
Here we are undoubtedly in one of the most secret rooms of His great workshop. When I meet such men and women as these, I am seized with holy trembling: Remove thy shoes!
They are God’s people, happy and contented. They take part in Christian work. Everything goes well. The friends of Jesus are happy. And these people themselves are glad.
But then something happens.
Suddenly or gradually all is changed. Heart and hearth become dry and empty. God seems far away, and sin seems strong and enticing. Christian work becomes a burden. These same people become weary of Christian people and of Christian gatherings. Perhaps adversity, illness, and sorrow augment their troubles.
It is then that everything goes to pieces for all half-souled people. They either give up or they become mere machines in the kingdom of God, permitting themselves to be swallowed up by their earthly tasks.
Honest souls, however, do as Peter did. They cast themselves down upon their faces at the feet of Jesus.
And the miracle takes place. The Lord raises them up and gives them their appointed task again.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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