Luke 5:1-11 vv. 1-3…So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Sea of Galilee, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Peter’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
To the Bulldogs, God is more aware of your daily routines of riding the bus to class, going to practice, eating at ECV, etc than you think. He watches you from a very high place, but Is in tune with the details of your life. One of the many signs that “he’s getting into your boat” (or going where you are) is when you have a nagging dissatisfaction with your circumstances and all of sudden, you pass a church on the corner downtown… or you see someone reading a Bible in a coffee shop… or like when you’re on the receiving end of some random-act-of-kindness… or perhaps when a campus minister or chaplain shows up at practice or the hospital. Ha ha! What if the fact that you have a scholarship and a place to go get a college education is a sign of God’s goodness towards you? God can present Himself in unexpected places and times, even in boats, ice tubs, at the sink in your bathroom, etc. Jesus is trying to get your attention. Are you listening?

vv. 5 & 6…When He stopped speaking, He said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Peter answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
How did God display His love for Peter in this circumstance? He gave Peter what he desired or thought he needed. I’ve sometimes wondered over the years if God really cares if Georgia wins a match, a game, a meet, etc. Then I see this story and I realize that accomplishments without Christ’s presence hamper the total joy of receiving the prize. Peter had Christ right there with him when he made the biggest catch of his life and somehow I have to think that it made the moment that much sweeter & significant!

(Left: photo courtesy of Knoef brothers)
v. 7…So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
Peter got to share the biggest catch of his life with others. What joy comes from sharing an accomplishment with those you care about!

v.8…When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 
Peter lets his guilt of sin and doubt steal his enjoyment of the catch. He doesn’t understand grace yet.

v.9 & 10….For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” 
What if our experiences in sport have something to do with our future, pointing us to more ways in which we can know our heavenly Father better? Look at how this miracle changed those men’s lives:

v. 11…So when they had brought their boats to the land, they forsook all and followed Him.
The only thing those men knew was fishing. It was their livelihood. What could it have been about this man named Jesus Christ that could make men drop everything they ever knew, and perhaps loved, to follow Him into a life of uncertainty? It’s definitely something to think about. 

In summary:
• What if the greatest moments of our lives are preceded by our quietest-of-times alone with the Lord in prayer and in His Word? In this story, Jesus had just finished teaching the fishermen & the people before the big catch happened.
• We experience joy in sharing victories with our teammates and those who love us.
• Jesus had bigger and better plans for Peter that went far beyond fishing. Perhaps we don’t think big enough?!
• Life’s greatest moments are not quite as fulfilling unless Christ’s presence is there with us. I’m expecting that the greatest moment of my existence will be when I meet Christ face to face in eternity. 
How would you answer this question by pastor & teacher, John Piper: 
“If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?”