Love at First Sight

When Simon Peter met Jesus it was not love at first sight. I don’t know how it was that Jesus ended up at Simon’s house on that Sabbath evening, (Luke 4:38-40) but Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and cures others who came to the house, and then leaves the next morning. Simon, it appears, goes back to his daily routine.

Today’s passage happens sometime later. Jesus needs a place to sit while teaching and Simon’s boat is available. This encounter leads to a catch of fish, the realization of Jesus’ powers and a call to discipleship. Simon did not seek out Jesus before or after his mother-in-law’s healing. Simon, when he realized more about Jesus, felt unworthy of being in the presence of Jesus and asked him to leave.

We look at our lives and say to ourselves, “Why would God want me? How could God possibly use me?” But then, how are we any different from Samuel or Paul or Simon? God uses us, ordinary people in our ordinary lives, to witness to God’s saving grace. Some are called to preach, some to teach, some to clean, some to heal. All are called to follow.

Gracious God, you have called each of us to unique ministries. Give us the strength, courage and wisdom to follow. Amen. — VSR