The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Faith the Fishes

In this passage, we see the calling of Simon Peter through a powerful encounter. Jesus tells the beleaguered fisherman to forget all the futility he’s experienced the night before and let his nets down once again. Although it’s doubtful how much faith Peter has in catching anything at that point, he obeys and the fish filled his nets to the point of breaking. In an instant, we see Peter grasping who stands before him—Jesus is not like other men. He has power over the fish in the sea.

So Peter tells Jesus to go away. He knows he is a broken, sinful man, and he can’t stay in the presence of Jesus. He’s afraid. Jesus, in his graciousness, tells Peter to put away his fear because he has a new task for him, no longer catching fish, but people. What comes next shows incredible faith. Peter leaves his livelihood (fishing) and identity (fisherman) and follows Jesus.

The same is true for you. Once you encounter Jesus, you realize you are unworthy of his affection and kindness. You are aware of your sin. But Jesus redirects you. He gives you a new direction, a new identity, and a new task—to join him in the faith journey of telling others about Jesus. What a privilege!

Taken from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.