Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This Sunday is the last week of the series on the story of our lives and the last week before Lent. I encourage you to spend some time praying about what God has done for you and how important your life is when you follow Jesus Christ, and live in his bigger story. There are questions under Messages on the homepage to help you to reflect on this.
In the gospel today we hear how the crowds were pressed upon Jesus, and how he entered one of the boats on the shore to preach from it. Jesus was very attractive to all, especially those far from God. We are aiming to do the same here at St. Joe’s. We are aiming for it to be a place that unchurched people can come and feel at home.
The boat Jesus entered was Peter’s and the story changed. Peter had been up all night fishing and caught nothing. He came from a family of fishermen and who is this Jesus Christ telling me to drop my nets again in the middle of the day. What does he know about fishing, or about me? You and I can often say the same thing. What does Jesus know about my job, or the troubles in my marriage, or the problems with my kids? When you speak to him for a few minutes each day, you will learn many valuable and practical things, like Peter did.
What happens to Peter? He makes the biggest catch of his life, almost sinks two boats. Peter says something so beautiful and humble: depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. He sees that Jesus is way beyond him, way too big for him. I don’t belong here. And Jesus says soon you will be catching men. Peter enters the larger story of God. He made himself available and that changes everything.
Peter could have said no when Jesus invites himself into his boat. He could have gone home and rested. Peter makes a different choice; he is available. You also need to make a choice in life. You can also make yourself available to the Lord; make your money available to him, or to make your time on Sunday or during the week more consistent. Lent is about to begin. Make yourself and your stuff available to him. Know your story and share it. There is always a choice to live your story, or to live something much greater than you, God’s story. Your choice will lead you in two very different directions. Do not be afraid to be part of God’s story; it will make all the difference in the world.
