Daily Devotionals

Trouble Maker Week 5: Tuesday

 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” Luke 5:8

Have you ever felt unqualified? I certainly have. I remember in grade school expecting to be the last person chosen to be on a team in gym class, understanding exactly why I was chosen last: I was not good at sports. One fateful time in middle school, however, I was one of the first people chosen. I remember feeling shocked and surprised, asking the team captain, “Are you sure you want me as one of the first people on your team?” That only happened once because people almost always choose qualified and talented people. When Jesus came and chose His disciples, He did something different. In fact, when He chose Simon Peter to be one of His disciples, Simon Peter was extremely surprised and protested this choice Jesus had made.

We read about the time when Jesus called His first disciples in Luke 5 yesterday. Today we will look at the response of one of these disciples, Simon Peter. The first disciples called were fishermen. They had fished and fished one evening but had caught nothing. So Jesus challenged them to go out into the water, where it was deeper, and try again. Amazingly, when they did this, they caught so many fish that their nets were practically breaking. Jesus had performed a miracle right in front of their eyes. Peter quickly realized something extraordinary was happening. He then did something interesting. He said to Jesus, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man” (verse 8). In other words, Peter was asking Jesus, “Are you sure you want me to be a part of your team?” Not only was Jesus sure that Peter was to be one of His disciples, but Peter also went on to be one of the main leaders instrumental in founding the church after Jesus left earth and returned to Heaven. He was exactly the person Jesus wanted to be His follower.

If you have felt underqualified to be one of Jesus’ followers or to be used by Jesus in big ways, look no further than Peter. It does not matter how unqualified you feel or your mistakes. If God has called you, you are exactly who He has chosen. He will use you to make Himself known in a world that is lost and in desperate need of Him.

Moving toward action

Is there something you know God has been calling you to do but feel unqualified? If so, it is time to take a step towards obedience today. Do one thing today to take that step. Make a phone call. Sign up to serve. Join a small group. Tell the hard truth, even though it may be difficult. Remember, you are not relying on your power, skill, or talent, but the power of God.

Going Deeper

Luke 5:8-16 (NLT)

"When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

12 In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 14 Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."