Myself - Real Consecration - Sealed Orders Part 9

This is one in a series of posts, sharing the Sealed Orders devotions, day by day, from CMI 2010.  They are based on the "Consecration Hymn," Salvation Army Songbook #525

-------------------------------------

Simon was complaining to the fishermen standing next to him.  It had been a difficult evening.  Since he and his crew cast out last night, every time they brought the nets up, they felt too light – disappointingly light. 

A heavy net meant a full net, and a full net meant a productive night for a fisherman.  A light net meant no fish, and no fish meant effort wasted, and wasted effort meant frustration.

With each empty net, hope dissolved a little more until the morning, when all Simon wanted was to go home and rest.  But he still had to wash the nets.  After all, tomorrow had to be a better night for fishing.

The other fishermen – his friends – had the same heavy hearts and long, tired faces that Simon did.  They probably would have complained to each other, but there was something else to do.  Something unusual.

Someone was preaching and a large crowd gathered at the beach.  So Simon’s crew worked silently, getting the nets ready to be stored for tomorrow’s fishing.  And then the preacher – Jesus was his name – got into Simon’s boat (Luke 5:3). Simon had heard Jesus before and knew his reputation.

But this time, Jesus asked Simon to put his boat out in the water a little.  With the crowd intent on learning, the bench Simon normally worked from became the rabbi’s seat, and great wisdom was shared.

When the lesson was over, Jesus told Simon to “put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

"Look who knows so much about fishing,” Simon must have thought.  But with a little sarcasm said, “Because you say so, I will let down the nets."

Soon, there were so many fish in the net that they needed help from another boat to pull them all in. 

Now Jesus had Simon’s attention!  Simon knew he was in the presence of greatness.  "Go away from me, Lord,” declared Simon, with a changed attitude.  “I am a sinful man!"

Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

The response of James, John and Simon was the same:  They pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Has Jesus been trying to get your attention this week?  What will it take for you to consecrate yourself to him today?  Was something said, sung or played this week that melted your skepticism about Jesus?  Does he have your attention now?

Pray that you respond like the first disciples – leave everything and follow him.