In the Footsteps of Jesus #8

"Image(s) courtesy of www.HolyLandPhotos.org"

Scripture: Luke 5:1-7

¹ So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ²and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

⁴When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."

⁵But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." ⁶And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

"JESUS BOAT"

In 1986, after ten years of drought, the Sea of Galilee yielded up one of its secrets. Near Kibbutz Ginossar, an ancient wooden fishing boat was found. Tests proved conclusively that it dated back to the time of Jesus and was on Galilee when He walked its shores. Who knows perhaps it was the one that Peter left on the beach when he went to follow Jesus?

His fishing boat was one of Peter’s most prized possessions. It represented a great financial investment. It was his livelihood. His workplace. And to Peter’s place of work, Jesus came and asked if He might use it for awhile. Little did Peter know what would happen when he allowed Jesus to sit down. Not only was he instrumental in letting others hear the Good News, later on he got his own private miracle and an invitation to follow Christ. All because he was willing to let Jesus use his boat.

One of the most important places we need to let Christ’s light shine is in our workplaces. How crucial it is that others see us serve our Lord where we work. Our integrity and honest labor testify to how Jesus influences all areas of our lives. Perhaps if we allowed Christ into our workplaces, we might see more miracles in our lives.

Question: How can I show Christ in my workplace?

Prayer: Father, we thank you for the gift of work. Show us how we can work for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.