Thank you for kind love

John Povey February 14, 2025 7 3

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Luke 5: 7-10 (NRSVA)

7 So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ 9 For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’

Is this every fisherman’s dream? A lifetime fishing in the hope that maybe one day something like this will happen. So many fish filled their boats that they began to sink.  What a sight! Two overloaded boats slowly coming to shore, with fish flopping everywhere. The biggest catch ever!

We might expect Simon Peter to start bragging to his friends, “We’re the greatest fishermen in the world.” But instead he was overwhelmed by this enormous number of fish. The sight of such a huge catch left him quite unnerved.

Simon Peter’s mind could cope with anything he himself was able to physically handle.  But when Jesus got involved, the results drove him to his knees in humble prayer. He knew he was in the presence of someone holy.

And Jesus said, as he so often did, “Do not be afraid”. The voice of calm. Simon Peter held Jesus in such great awe as to cause him to fear, but Jesus told Him to put away that fear.

Why did all this happen? In fulfilment of God’s plan, for Simon Peter was about to be given a new task. “From now on you will be catching people.” He was going to need all the reassurance he could get.

And so today we give thanks for kind love. Picture in your mind Jesus smiling at Simon Peter. Picture the fondness reflected in his eyes. Now realise that he looks at you the same way. Through Jesus, we see that God wants us not to cower before Him in fear, but to accept His loving kindness, that we may be useful to Him when He calls us to a task.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I praise you for being so kind, gentle, and patient with me. Help me to see those around me in the same way that You do. Shape my heart to be like Yours, and guide my hands in showing kindness and generosity to others today. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.