The Sea of Galilee, the cradle of the Gospel.
This day, the sun blazes high in the clear, azure sky.
As anchored fishing boats bob in the wake of the incoming hauls, fishermen row into shore. Famished gulls congregate on the rocky beach in anticipation of catching some unattended morsel while a flock of impatient ones fly overhead, waiting to swoop down for a fly-by snack.
Here in these waters swarm a profusion of shellfish and a great variety of other fish, making it an easy task for fishermen to haul in a living.
The rim of this crescent-shaped lake hums with the hustle and bustle of life, as cities and villages speckle the shoreline. Rolling hills, fields of grain, and grapes, figs, and olives cozy up in the surrounding terrain.
Capernaum lies comfortably on the western shore as one of the most prosperous and crowded districts. Today, a great crowd begins to gather here as Jesus preaches along the shore.
“Great crowds pressed in on Him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.” (Luke 5:1b-3 NLT)
After Peter allowed Him to use his boat, Jesus used it as His platform to preach the Gospel and teach the multitude. And when He finished, He said to Peter, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” (Luke 5:4 NLT)
Jesus walked the shoreline calling His disciples, seeking the lifeboat of each one to follow Him and be used by Him. And because of their obedience, their offer of their life’s boat, the Gospel was preached throughout all Judea, spreading around the world. A boatload of souls was their catch.
Have you given Jesus your life’s boat?
When we give Jesus our life’s boat, we allow Him to steer our life where He knows it needs to go in order to use us as His platform to preach the Gospel to others.
Jesus says, “I am the Navigator. I know where we are going. It is your job to sit still before Me and trust that I know best. Don’t rock the boat by telling Me where you want to go. Just let Me take you to the place best suited for you.
“Ride quietly and trust Me and we will reach our destination much more quickly. Don’t be a hindrance to the One who knows the way. I will not steer you wrong nor will I allow the waves to overtake you. Just trust Me, because I love you.”
Have you given your life’s boat to Jesus? Have you allowed Him to take control of the helm, to guide you where He wants you to go, to be a platform for His Word to others?
Will you be a fisher of souls?
Blessings of soul-fishing to you…Lynn