PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
July 2nd, 2026.
It is written: “....apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Fish played a central role in Jesus’ relationship with Peter from the beginning and it was a symbol of the power of Christ over nature and that all things are under His authority. At the beginning of Peter’s journey, he and his fellow fishermen had caught absolutely nothing all night. Jesus instructs Peter to lower his nets one more time, resulting in a catch so massive that it begins to sink the boats. Recall that Jesus borrowed Peter’s boat to stand in while He addressed the people. The reward was a massive catch of fish boosting Peter’s trade as well as opening his eyes to see Jesus as Jesus is. He declared: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:1-10) Jesus used Peter’s familiar livelihood to prove His divine authority. He then called Peter to leave his nets behind and declared that, from then on, he would be a "fisher of people,"
Then came the issue of Temple Tax. Jesus tells Peter to go to the lake, cast a fishing line, and open the mouth of the first fish he catches. Inside, Peter finds a four-drachma coin (a stater), which is the exact amount required to cover the tax for both of them. As a former fisherman, Peter was used to catching fish to earn a living, but catching money was unprecedented. It serves as a personal demonstration for Peter that God can provide for his needs through surprising, even unconventional, channels. (Mat. 17:24-27)
Finally, the restoration of Peter to the fold. After Jesus was arrested, a deeply ashamed Peter denied even knowing Him three times. Following the resurrection, a disillusioned Peter went back to his old profession of commercial fishing. Jesus appears on the shore and tells the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in another massive, bursting haul of 153 fish. This deliberate recreation of their first encounter helped the disciples immediately recognize the risen Jesus.
God never abandons His elect. Has God called you? Are you hesitant? Go over Peter’s story again. God introduced Himself to him as God of abundance with authority over man and nature. Peter’s calling was in God’s plan. God knew him and his weaknesses but still chose him. When his mother-in-law was sick, God showed up. When he needed to pay tax, God showed up for a man who had no job but the gospel. When he failed woefully and was remorseful, God went looking for him and used the impossibility of catching fish at that particular time of the day to restore him. The same God will meet you and your needs. Fear not.
THE WORD: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37 NIV)
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