Jodi Beth Cross

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Because You Said So

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in Luke 5:1-11 because I love the grace that Jesus shows, the humility of Simon and how Jesus points to his purpose. Let’s walk through it together today.

Verses 1-3: Jesus is standing in front of a lake and as usual people were crowding Him to hear Him speak. Now, off to the side are two boats and the fishermen washing their nets. Jesus gets into Simon’s boat (Peter) and asks him to go out a little way so He can address the crowd and be heard.
~ Jesus meets Simon where he is at by getting into his boat. Jesus has grace for us right where we are and wants to be in the middle of it.
~ Simon was busy just living his life when Jesus came and invited Simon to be a part of what He was doing. By saying yes, Simon got a front row seat to hearing the heart of Jesus and seeing the crowd respond to His words.

Can you imagine being that close to Jesus?? As Jesus talked, Simon could not help but be changed and some understanding must have came to Peter about Who this Jesus actually was because…

…we see in Verses 4-7: that Jesus tells Simon to go out to deeper water and cast his nets again. Simon was tired from fishing all night and he just finished washing the nets. They also didn’t catch any fish, so he was probably frustrated and disappointed. Here’s the exciting part!! Simon said: “But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
~ When was the last time you had a sense of expectation that God could do something unexpected, dare I say a miracle?
As Jesus and Simon are out on the water casting the nets, they caught so much fish that Simon had to call all his friends to help with the load.
~ As we are obedient to do the next thing God asks - whether we understand it/want to or not - the blessing we receive will overflow to those around us.

Maybe our miracle is waiting for our obedience!?!

Verses 8-11: between hearing Jesus speak and seeing the miracle of the fish, Simon Peter falls at Jesus’ knees and tells him how sinful he is. He feels unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence.
~ Simon understood the reality of his sin by allowing the words and heart of Jesus to change his heart and compel him to follow Jesus’ commands.
~
God must have supreme authority over my life in order to command me.
Jesus then tells Simon to not be afraid and instead of catching fish, Simon was going to catch men.
~ God has a place and purpose for you - for me.
”So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
~ May we be that brave!

Is there a situation in your life where you need to say, “but because You said so” I will?

Today, let’s picture Jesus getting into our boat and meeting us right where we are at and follow Jesus regardless of what we have to leave behind.

My prayer is that we will humble ourselves as we become undone by the heart and words of Jesus and as we follow His teachings and His commands, we will walk into the purpose and plan for our life.

Have the most amazing day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xo

Oh! Dean and I are going to see our grandkids (EEEKKKK!!) and Jess, Justin and family. We get to hold and giggle and smooch our grandkids!!!! I will see you when we get back. Thank you for understanding!

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