A crowd of people gathered around Jesus. As they moved in to hear better, they pressed Him ever closer to the shoreline, right up to the edge of the surf. Some fishermen were there, cleaning their nets, so one of them (Simon) moved his boat back into the water to let Jesus teach the crowds.
The fishermen stayed on the shore while He taught. There's no doubt they heard what He said, but His words didn't seize them with amazement.
After the sermon, though, Jesus did something that rocked their world.
"Go to the deep water and put out your nets."
Simon disagreed. "We fished all night and caught nothing. That's a waste of effort, but, if you insist..."
In the deep water, they threw out the nets and caught more fish than they thought possible.
It was the fish that moved them. Not words. Not even the words of Jesus.
For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; (Luke 5:9 NASB)
When words and the miraculous merged, they understood. The Word became flesh and they beheld the Father through the Son in an utterly new way.
It changed their lives forever.
When words and the miraculous merged, they understood. The Word became flesh and they beheld the Father through the Son in an utterly new way.
It changed their lives forever.
Some hearts are moved by a powerful sermon. Some hearts are moved by a friend gently sharing truth over the years.
Some hearts, however, need to see tangible evidence of Christ, whether it's a wet, stinky net-full of fish or the powerful evidence of a changed life.
What evidence of the reality of Christ do others see in us? What evidence of the miraculous?
Today, let's pray that those around us will recognize the miraculous work of God in our lives and that it will move the to utter, life-altering amazement at the power and sovereignty of God.
__________
In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Real Love: More than a Feeling
This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:
Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#Jesus
This ministry of prayer and outreach (digital and in-person) is only possible because of the generosity of your support. If you'd like to help, here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:
Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#Jesus
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