Fishers of Men
… And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Luke 5:10 NASB
Do not fear – How many times have you heard someone refer to this verse as the basis of evangelism? “If you follow Jesus, you will be a fisher of men.” Perhaps that’s true, but it comes after the really important note in Yeshua’s remark. “Do not fear.” In fact, if we have any hope of being the kind of catchers Yeshua has in mind, we must first embrace the power in his consolation, “Do not fear.” Ignoring this leaves us thinking that somehow we are going to enjoy a privileged status in the Kingdom.
The worst thing that someone with a Hebraic worldview can do is to tarnish the name of God. Realizing he is in the presence of someone who is God’s representative, Peter fears that his sins have tarnished the Name. Peter’s consciousness is seared by the holiness of Yeshua. The miraculous catch of fish does not bring him joy. It brings him fear. If he has tainted HaShem by even accidentally being in the presence of holiness, he has committed a terrifying additional sin. Peter doesn’t fear for himself. He already acknowledges he is a sinner. Peter fears that what he holds most sacred, the NAME, has been desecrated. Such violations have severe consequences.
Therefore, the action of first importance is reassurance. “Do not fear.” “You have not defiled YHVH by being in the presence of holiness. You have not desecrated His name. Your sins have not tarnished His character.” In fact, the Messiah came for you. Before Peter, James and John can hear their new assignment, they must first hear that they are acceptable, sins and all. It’s a wonderful thing to be asked to bring men into the Kingdom, but it is a hopeless fantasy if the catchers do not believe they are accepted as they are. If you and I think we must first measure up to the high calling of holiness before we can engage in the assignment given by God, we will never begin. Our sins and our shame will prevent forward progress. Our sense of failure, our acknowledgement of unworthiness will stop us dead in our tracks. We will only want the Holy One to leave in order to remove the pain of disqualification. We must first know this: “Do not fear!”
Are you afraid that God is finished with you? Do you fear that you will never measure up? Have you failed so many times to remain pure that you are now convinced He will leave you behind? Does you day end with shame and disappointment? How long do you think God is willing to start over with you? Seventy times? Seventy times seven times? Ah, but we have already exceeded those limits, haven’t we? Are you now afraid that God has passed you by, unworthy, disgraced, disqualified? Then you stand with Peter, at the lakeshore with a load of fish. Then you prostrate yourself with Peter before the Master, hopeful that this pain you feel will depart when he does. And then you hear the words spoken to Simon, “Do not fear.” Could there be any words sweeter than these?
I have been afraid that my failures removed me from His presence. I have been afraid that He no longer needs me. I have been afraid that I have turned away one too many times. Simon and I are the same—afraid. We know we aren’t good enough. What we need to know is that we are called anyway.
Topical Index: fear, fishers of men, phobeo, Luke 5:10
Sweet.
Relief.
Thank you, Skip. This one hits home. Especially as I struggle to learn about Him and who He is.
366 times The Word reminds us to fear not or don’t worry.
That would be one reminder a day, and one left over just
in case we didn’t get the other 365.
For leap years! 🙂
I was afraid there was no one else that thought that way.
Bro.Skip your post hits home today, just last night as I laid in my bed thinking these same thoughts was going through my mind, was I worthy enough, why do I feel so lost and alone at times, and Yah gave me the answer through you today DO NOT FEAR! Thank you , and glory be to his marvelous name. AMEN.
Need this today.
That Is me!
Thanks
Excellent word! THIS is the gospel at it’s core. In Him, we have the Father we’ve always wanted…the Father of every child’s or adult’s dream. Even knowing everything about you..the weak places as well as the strong places, He never tires of your company and with love that never gives up – coming alongside so you can be all you ever hoped you could be. I’m so grateful for Him..so grateful!
This drash is amplified an order of magnitude by remembering a subsequent conversation Yeshua had with Cephas likely in the same vicinity. How much more badly about himself must Cephas have felt at that point in his life? Yet the now risen Messiah reaffirmed the original occupational redirection, which, thankfully, Cephas pursued.
You been listening to my thoughts? Thanks for the blessing.
You’ve said you write these in advance, but how very timely this is. Thank you.
Beautiful transparency. You gave words to my own heart song.
From Doubting to Shouting
~ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O LORD ~ (Luke 5.8)
[Peter] “realizing he is in the Presence of someone who is God’s representative..”
Is that what is happening here? “Master, you don’t quite understand the situation .. – we have been toiling all night and have caught nothing!”- It’s quite hopeless ..” For You see, LORD.. – You are NOT in control here..- this is a “circumstance” we have no control over! Nevertheless, – though doubting Your Authority or ability, [reluctantly] following Your instructions.. we will do as You say..
Peter was quick to confess though, “LORD, – I am guilty of the sin of doubt!” I did not believe You were able..
Perhaps the “evangelicals” (who are these people?) believe “God’s representative” is “More Than..” Moses was God’s representative.. He was God’s mouthpiece. “Moses, speak unto people and say this..” God told Moses what to say. God “used” Moses to accomplish His purpose, His will. Elijah [and others] also.
Peter realized (especially at this moment!) this was no “ordinary man..” Would this tremendous catch of fish “qualify” as a miracle? Something btw.. – only God can do? But is this the only miracle this Man from Galilee ever “performed!” Is that who Jesus is? A Miracle Man? Do another trick for us Jesus! We want to see You perform! “Feed us, – we’re hungry!” We heard what you did for “those” people!
Peter meant well.. – I’m sure. He just didn’t get the whole picture, – not just yet! But God was not to (ever) give up on him.. -the story (His story) continues..
Remember this? Let us make three “booths” or tabernacles.. One for Moses.. one for Elijah and one for you (Jesus). Matthew 7.14
Three of “God’s representatives..” Moses. Elijah. and The Messiah. God’s finest, -no doubt.
What is wrong with this picture? – Anyone?..
Moses was a man. (yes) Elijah also was a man. (yes) And the third man present? Wasn’t He also a (just a )man? 100% human. The second [virgin-born] Adam.
~ God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, whom He [has] appointed Heir of all things, through whom also He made the world and He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high..~
Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready waits to save you,
Full of pity, love, and pow’r:
He is able, He is able,
He is willing, doubt no more.
He is able, He is able,
He is willing, doubt no more.
Come, ye needy, come and welcome;
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings us nigh,
Without money, without money,
Come to Jesus Christ and buy.
Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him:
This He gives you, – this He gives you,
’Tis the Spirit’s rising beam.
Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all:
Not the righteous, not the righteous,
Sinners – Jesus came to call.
Agonizing in the Garden,
Your Redeemer prostrate lies;
On the bloody Tree behold Him
!
Hear Him cry, before He dies,
“It is finished!” “It is finished!”
Sinner, will not this suffice?
Lo! the incarnate God, ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood;
Venture on Him, venture wholly;
Let no other trust intrude:
None but Jesus, none but Jesus,
Can do helpless sinners good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvCm9I4H0A
Fear not. Jesus IS Lord.
May we fear not with proper Fear. Thanks for the encouraging word.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:7 NLT
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. HCSB
“..of a sound mind” in some translations – The Greek word denotes one of sober mind; a man of prudence and discretion. The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and relations; but when everything is in its proper place. It was this state of mind which Timothy was exhorted to cultivate. A sound mind implies much more; it means a clear understanding, Godly passions, guarded temperaments; not one of bondage to fear nor timidity
This was what I would have posted in a previous TW concerning ‘insanity’.
We so need to have that soundness of mind, this world is really upsy-turvy,
the righteous suffer, accused, rejected, and the wicked “prosper”, accepted. And the abuse goes on…until we stand for what we believe, and even that will be a battle. Help ABBA!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEqeGCW5H8o