Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
In a recent Bible Conference, my favorite message (one that convicted me greatly) came from the call of Peter in Luke 5. We all know the story about Jesus asking Peter to go out into the deep water and let down his nets after catching nothing all night. But a Pastor for St. Lucia pointed out something I never saw before.
Notice that Jesus in 5:4 Jesus says “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” (emphasis added)
And now notice what Peter says….”Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” (emphasis added)
Just one letter missing
but it makes a BIG difference!
Jesus asks Peter after a long night of fishing while catching nothing to go out again. He is instructed to take both of his nets, but he only takes one. It’s my personal opinion that Peter leaves the fully washed one on the shore (there’s no point in using it again and having to wash it all over). And takes with him one that has been partially washed.
No matter the reason, Peter obeys Christ half-way
Of course, in the story Peter catches so many fish he has to call for John, and both of their boats start to sink. But there is an interesting point here.
Peter only brings one net (disobeying Christ)…..
But Jesus gives him enough fish for two nets!
I believe it was the grace of Christ that overlooked the sinful act of Peter and blessed him in grace that overwhelmed him instead of the fish. This is why he told Jesus to leave because he was a “sinful man” (5:8). He deserved nothing from the Lord, but Jesus gave him everything.
And it was that grace that motivated Peter to leave everything behind (5:11).
One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is motivation. We will be on a spiritual mountaintop where things are going well one moment, and in the valley where nothing is going right the next. The Lord calls us to have consistency and faithful obedience. But this cannot be found in circumstances.
instead we must find it in the grace of God.
Far too often the Lord asks us to drop out nets and we selfishly bring just one net. But each time we turn our backs on Him, He responds with Grace. Sometimes that grace involves punishment, but that is done in love.
And when we see the Grace of God that He gives to us every moment of the day
we will have no choice but to fall down, and worship Him.
Johnhwilburn.com 
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