Why Peter?

Lord, why Peter?

A 3rd shift fisherman.

He had a wife and kids...he was busy.

And a sinful man...

Not sinful enough not to listen to a preacher; but when he recognizes that preacher to be connected to God's power, he knows he won't be able to hide his sins. They will be known. Then what? He shuddered to think of the disowning and estrangement that would result..the guilt and shame of bringing dark things into the light. He begs, "Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!"

Peter was acutely aware of his sins. They were so big, so foolish, that he "knew" he never had a chance of being in God's inner circle. 

And yet, Jesus chose him. He tolerated his impulsive nature and his judgmental attitude - to teach him, so that he could teach others. 

How old was Peter? At least 30? He had a family, and he had part ownership in a fishing company.

When he was called, he dropped everything and followed. He left the windfall of profits lying in the boats. He left all his invested capital run up on the shore. He saw through all those things to what he really wanted. He wanted to be at peace with God. He wanted to feel God's presence. He wanted for God to be in his home, and for God to make His home in his heart - never to leave. 

He wanted to be something, not just in this world, but for God. And Jesus told him he was something...and that God could use him.

"Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Lord, why me?

I'm just a fisherman.

I'm a sinful man. I've done foolish things. Things that a man of God ought not to do. 

Doesn't that disqualify me? 

Doesn't that make me unfit for service? 

How can you use me when my reputation is an impulsive jerk?

It doesn't make sense to me...but I feel called.

Have you fixed me enough for your service? Or can you use me with my current faults?

What about my responsibilities? What about my wife, my children, my plans...the other good works that I think I can accomplish? Should I do them first? Should I wait?

"Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Thoughts on Luke 5:1-11