Digging Deeper: Rise and Walk


“Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

Mark 2:11 (NLT)



RISE AND WALK

 

Jesus’ command to the paralyzed man was simple, yet life-changing. This man had spent his life dependent on others. He had no control over his situation. Then, in an instant, everything changed.

Can you imagine what that moment felt like? After years of being unable to walk, suddenly his legs were strong. He didn’t just stand—he jumped up! And as he picked up his mat and walked out in front of the amazed crowd, he carried with him a powerful testimony of Jesus’ healing.

But Jesus’ words weren’t just about physical healing; they carried a deeper message. Just as the paralyzed man was unable to move before Jesus spoke, many of us are stuck in spiritual paralysis. We remain in the same struggles, bound by fear, guilt, or past failures. Yet Jesus calls us to rise.

He doesn’t just forgive us—He empowers us to live differently. He calls us to walk in faith, leaving behind whatever has held us down. The mat that once carried the man became a symbol of his healing. Likewise, the burdens we once carried can become testimonies of God’s power in our lives.

What is Jesus asking you to get up and walk away from today? Is it fear? Doubt? A habit that holds you back? Jesus has the power to heal and restore, but we must respond in faith.

Take time today to reflect on areas where you feel stuck. Ask Jesus to speak into your situation. When He calls you to stand, trust Him—because His words bring life.


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: The Power of Jesus’ Words


“Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk’?”

Mark 2:9 (NLT)



THE POWER OF JESUS’ WORDS

 

When Jesus looked at the paralyzed man, His first words were not what people expected. Instead of immediately healing his body, Jesus addressed his spiritual condition: “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

This statement shocked the religious leaders. They believed only God had the authority to forgive sins, and they considered Jesus’ words blasphemy. But Jesus was revealing something greater than physical healing—He was demonstrating His divine power to restore both the body and the soul.

We often come to Jesus with our external problems, asking Him to fix what we can see. But Jesus cares just as much—if not more—about what’s happening inside our hearts. The man’s greatest need was not just to walk; it was to be spiritually restored.

Then Jesus went even further. To prove that He had the authority to forgive sins, He also healed the man’s physical body. His words carried both power and proof. When Jesus speaks, things happen.

Are you trusting in the power of Jesus’ words? When He says you are forgiven, do you truly believe it? Sometimes we hold on to guilt and shame even after Jesus has declared us clean. But His words are not empty—they have the power to change our lives.

Spend time in Scripture, listening to the words of Jesus. Let them sink deep into your heart. Because He says you are forgiven, you are forgiven. Because He calls you to peace, you can trust that He will provide it. His words are true, effective, and life-giving.

 


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Faith that Moves Obstacles


“They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head.”

Mark 2:4 (NLT)



FAITH THAT MOVES OBSTACLES

 

The scene in this passage is one of desperation, determination, and deep faith. A paralyzed man needed healing, and his four friends were convinced that Jesus was the answer. But when they arrived at the house where Jesus was teaching, the crowd was so large that they couldn’t even get near the door.

Many people might have given up at that point. They could have said, “Maybe next time,” or “We tried, but it’s too difficult.” But these men refused to let obstacles stop them. Instead of turning away, they found another way—by climbing onto the roof, tearing through it, and lowering their friend directly in front of Jesus.

This is the kind of faith that moves mountains. It’s a faith that doesn’t quit when things get hard. These friends didn’t just believe Jesus could heal—they acted on that belief with bold determination.

How do you respond when you face obstacles in your spiritual life? Do you press forward in faith, or do you get discouraged and give up? Just like these friends, we are called to be persistent in seeking Jesus, even when challenges arise.

T.B. LaBerge wrote, “The greatest tragedy in humanity is when we do not wrestle with God. When we become so apathetic that we are but a limp rag doll in the hands of a mighty lover who wishes that we fight back; that we embrace Him and choose to find truth.”

Think about the people in your life who need Jesus. Are you willing to bring them to Him, even if it requires effort and creativity? Faith is not just about believing—it’s wrestling to put faith into action, trusting that Jesus is the answer.

 


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Jesus Sees Our Faith


“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’”

Mark 2:5 (NLT)



JESUS SEES OUR FAITH

 

This passage is unique because Jesus doesn’t respond to the faith of the paralyzed man—He responds to the faith of his friends. Their belief, determination, and action led to their friend’s life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Imagine the love and commitment these friends had. They carried him through the streets, struggled through the crowd, and even broke through the roof just to place him before Jesus. They didn’t just believe in Jesus’ power—they acted on it. Their faith wasn’t passive; it was bold and persistent.

What does this tell us about the nature of faith? Faith isn’t just about believing for ourselves; it’s also about interceding for others. Sometimes, people in our lives are too weak, broken, or discouraged to seek Jesus on their own. In those moments, our faith can help carry them to Him.

Who in your life needs to be brought to Jesus? Maybe it’s a friend struggling with doubt, a family member going through hardship, or someone who feels distant from God. Your prayers, encouragement, and actions can help bring them closer to Him.

Just as the paralyzed man’s healing began with his friends’ faith, God can use your faith to impact others. Be persistent in prayer, in love, and in bringing others to Jesus—no matter the obstacles.

 


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Making Use of the Time


“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16



MAKING USE OF THE TIME

 

I have the pleasure of teaching 10th-grade World Literature. In our devotions, we have been reading the book Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee. At the young age of 17, Watchman Nee was radically saved. Just two years later, he began his ministry—sharing the gospel, teaching the Bible, and writing about our Jesus. From 1922 to 1950, he wrote 62 volumes.

What’s worth noting is that Watchman Nee didn’t do all of this in the kind of environment we live in today. He was sharing the gospel in China, where it was against the law to speak about Jesus. Eventually, in 1952, he was imprisoned for doing so, and he would later die in prison.

During one of these devotion times, a student asked me, “Mrs. Jefferson, do you think it’s harder to be a Christian in a Christian school or a public school?” While many of you reading this may not be wrestling with that particular question, it’s certainly one worth sitting with. If we broaden it, perhaps the deeper question is: Is it easier to be a Christian here in the United States compared to other places in the world? Is it easier in the South, or even in the Acworth/Kennesaw area?

The more I’ve thought about this, the more I believe the real question we should be asking is, “What are we doing with this great opportunity we’ve been given?” Ephesians 5:15–16 implores us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

If we belong to the Lord, then through the work of His Spirit in sanctification, He will bring every area of our lives under His authority. It may be a slow process, but as 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Let’s aim to impact this world for Christ, understanding that how we live truly matters. We are not aiming for perfection, but we should look different today than we did yesterday, last month, or even last year.

 


Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders, and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she is a high school English teacher Mt. Paran Christian School. When she’s not teaching, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

 

Digging Deeper: Getting Uncomfortable

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

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.” 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.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)



GETTING UNCOMFORTABLE

If you grew up in Atlanta in the early 2000s, you probably heard the name “Chipper Jones” a lot. The Hall of Fame third baseman spent his entire 18-year career in a Braves uniform and was beloved by fans.

He helped the Braves win their first World Championship in 1995, won the NL MVP in 1999, earned two Silver Sluggers and a batting title, and boasted a career batting average over .300. While his career was filled with accomplishments, one thing he missed out on was Rookie of the Year, losing that honor to Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo.

While Nomo had a good career, he certainly did not experience the same degree of success as Chipper. However, he did have one notable advantage over the Braves’ third baseman—he dominated him at the plate. Chipper faced Nomo 42 times, managing just two hits—both singles—for a .057 batting average against the right-hander. Needless to say, Chipper never felt comfortable in the batter’s box against Nomo.

This week, we have been studying Luke 5:1-11. When preaching on this passage, the great R.C. Sproul commented on Peter’s reaction to the miraculous catch of fish. As Peter fell to his knees in fear, he pleaded with Jesus to leave him because of the shame he felt for his sins (Luke 5:8). Sproul emphasized that Peter’s reaction was one of feeling uncomfortable in his sin in the presence of Jesus.

Peter’s humble and fearful response is understandable. If you came face to face with Jesus, you, too, would likely fall to your knees in shame and wonder, just as he did. But Sproul also made an interesting observation—one that might be harder for us to grasp. As Christians, we, too, might make people feel uncomfortable because of our faith.

We are not holy in and of ourselves (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8; Ephesians 2:1-2), but as Christians, we represent the Most Holy—Jesus (Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 4:6-10). When we walk as believers, those around us who do not share our faith may feel uneasy. This can create friction and even strain relationships.

For me, I have a brother who isn’t a believer. I pray for him every morning. When we spend time with him and his wife, it’s good, quality time. We have a strong relationship, and I want his influence in my life and my children’s lives. But when I bring up Jesus, he shuts down—he gets uncomfortable.

I’m sure you have people in your life whom you care about who aren’t believers. And, like me, I’m sure you’ve struggled to find the right moments or the right words when you do get the chance to bring up Jesus. But Jesus came to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ power on the boat that day, and it changed the course of their lives. Someone might see Jesus in a word you say or a deed you do, and it could change their eternity. That’s why persistence matters.

Theologian and pastor Charles Spurgeon said it like this:
“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”

You might be the only image of Jesus someone ever sees. Take that responsibility seriously, and pray that God will use you to be a “fisher of men.”

 


Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: The Catch

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

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.” 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.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)



THE CATCH

In July of 1992, the Atlanta Braves hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates for a mid-summer matchup that ended up previewing that year’s National League Championship Series. In the ninth inning, with the Braves clinging to a 1-0 lead, Alejandro Peña faced Andy Van Slyke with a runner on first and the game on the line.

Then, Van Slyke connected. He sent a deep drive to center field, sending Braves center fielder Otis Nixon racing back to the wall. As he neared it, he slowed his pace, then leaped forward. His left foot hit the wall, and he catapulted himself upward, sticking his glove over the fence and snatching the ball back from the abyss. He landed and fired it back in—to the amazement of everyone watching.

“He caught the ball! He caught the ball! I can’t believe it!” exclaimed Braves announcer Skip Caray. The Braves held on to win the game 1-0, thanks in no small part to Nixon’s miraculous catch.

This week, we discussed a miraculous catch of a different kind—the overwhelming haul of fish that Jesus brought to the fishermen-turned-disciples Simon Peter, James, and John.

Simon Peter had previously met Jesus when he came to his home and healed his mother-in-law of a high fever (Luke 4:38-41). So when Jesus asked to use his boat to continue teaching, it made sense that Peter willingly let him do so.

Up to this point, Peter seemed to view Jesus as a respected teacher, but he had not yet fully grasped that he was the Messiah. At the end of his teaching, Jesus commanded them to take the boat out into deeper water. In spite of their doubts, they obeyed—and were met with an overwhelming catch. They had to call for help to bring in all the fish before the boat began to sink (Luke 5:7).

Despite witnessing the healing of his mother-in-law, it wasn’t until this miraculous catch that Simon Peter fully realized who Jesus was. Overcome, he fell to his knees and begged Jesus to leave him, confessing that he was a sinful man (Luke 5:8). In that moment, the weight of Jesus’ true identity was felt by all on board. From that point on, Simon Peter, John, and James left everything behind and followed him (Luke 5:11).

Jesus used the catch to get their attention—a shocking display that made it clear he was more than just a teacher. He used a physical sign to emphasize his message. And once he had their attention, he simply said, “Follow me.” The disciples’ response was immediate and obedient—they left everything behind to follow him.

So be grateful on the days when your net is overflowing with fish, but always recognize the one who fills the nets. The disciples didn’t stay on the boat and ask Jesus to help them catch more fish to grow their fishing business—they followed him to a calling of far greater importance.

Pray that your heart stays focused on the right kind of fishing each day.

 


Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Obey

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

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.” 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.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)



OBEY

The San Diego Padres had a great team in 1984. Their roster featured Steve Garvey and future Hall of Famers like Tony Gwynn and Rich “Goose” Gossage. However, they were up against one of the best teams of the era—the Detroit Tigers.

The Tigers started that season by winning 35 of their first 40 games, finishing with a dominant 104-58 record. The two teams met in the World Series, and the Tigers were as formidable as advertised, winning three of the first four games.

With the Padres facing elimination in Game 5, Gossage found himself in a jam late in the game as Kirk Gibson stepped up to the plate for Detroit.

Padres manager Dick Williams immediately called for an intentional walk, but Gossage flatly refused. As he later recounted, he had experienced a lot of success against Gibson. Williams paid a mound visit and listened to his pitcher’s case before finally saying, “Alright, strike him out then.”

Gibson, fully aware that Gossage had chosen to pitch to him rather than issue the walk, stepped up to the plate—and deposited the next pitch into the upper deck in right field for a three-run homer. The blast put the game and the series out of reach, sealing the Tigers’ championship that night.

It turns out the manager had the right idea all along. The player thought he knew best, but the result said otherwise. Reflecting back with a smile, Gossage simply admits, “I guess I should have walked him.”

It is in our human nature to be disobedient. Most of the time, it’s because we think we know better than whatever instruction we’re given—including God’s instruction.

In the passage we are studying this week, Peter obeys a command from Jesus even though he doubts the outcome. When Jesus says in Luke 5:4, “Go out deeper and let your nets down to catch some fish,” Peter replies, “Master, we worked hard all night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”

That reluctant obedience is reminiscent of many parental moments I have with my kids. There may be eye-rolling or heavy sighs before they ultimately do what my wife or I have asked. That reluctance is a manifestation of pride—and it’s neither good nor holy. It’s something we all struggle with.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, obedience isn’t simply a suggestion—it’s a command. Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27) and “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15).

Our obedience to him is one of the ways we set ourselves apart from the world. It is a sign of our love for Christ and our trust in him as our Shepherd. And that obedience, rooted in love, will always lead us to the most spiritually fruitful path—just as it did for the disciples in the boat that day.

So with willing hearts, obey.


Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Location, Location, Location

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

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.” 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.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)



LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION


My family moved to Atlanta from my home state of Virginia when I was just seven years old. Shortly after moving here, my dad made sure to take me, along with my brothers, to Fulton County Stadium for the first live sports event of my life.

I remember it well—the Braves lost to the Mets 5-2, despite leadoff back-to-back homers from Roberto Kelly and Jeff Blauser. More significantly, the first game I ever saw live was started by Greg Maddux—one of the best players of… well, ever.

Maddux may not have gotten the win that night (he threw a complete game, but unearned runs cost him), but he did earn 355 career wins and a Hall of Fame nod in 2014. Maddux didn’t throw the ball as hard as others, but he could make it move and locate his pitches with incredible precision.

Former major leaguer Orel Hershiser once remarked that Maddux could “throw it into a teacup if he wanted to.” Maddux himself routinely emphasizes the importance of location, urging younger pitchers to focus on where the ball is going, not just how hard they can throw it. Location matters.

We learned in studying Luke that location also mattered for the disciples. Jesus stepped onto the boat and taught the crowd before turning to Simon Peter and telling him to go deeper and try again. The fishermen reluctantly took the boat into deeper water as he instructed—and were rewarded with a catch so large they needed help hauling all the fish onto the boat (Luke 5:4-7).

Pastor and author John Piper, speaking on this text, said of verses 6 and 7: “The point is: this is an utterly unprecedented catch of fish in a location that seemed hopelessly unproductive the night before. And it was caught at the powerful and authoritative word of Jesus.”

This miraculous catch was designed to shock the future disciples and display his awesome power, leaving Peter on his knees in wonder. The location of the boat mattered—not because the fish had magically become more available that day, but because Jesus was delivering in a way that only he can, commanding the outcome.

We must be willing to answer the same call as the disciples did that day. They had doubts about the outcome, but they were rewarded for taking their boat to the right location. Our willingness to go where we are called must be absolute.

It has long been a hallmark of our church to have our “yes on the table” when Jesus calls us to move and act. We must have our hearts ready to move the boat wherever he tells us to go—despite our doubts. If we live this way, he will deliver in ways that only he can!


Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Getting the Call

 

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon,[b] its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”

“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

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.” 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.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT)



GETTING THE CALL

 

Well, spring has sprung, and along with exorbitant amounts of pollen, the season also means baseball is back, baby!

In his essay titled A Perfect Game, author David Bentley Hart argues that baseball might be America’s greatest contribution to the history of civilization. Well, I agree. So let’s celebrate baseball with this week’s lessons.

For a Major League player, a defining moment in their career is often the moment they get called up to the big leagues for the first time.

That call can come at different times for different players—whether through a traditional climb through the minor league levels after scouts and the general manager determine that the player is ready or through a rapid ascension to the top for those with the most potential, even if development is still needed. Their readiness for all the challenges of the Major Leagues might be debated, but sometimes you take chances when the talent is there.

This week, we discussed Jesus “calling up” the first disciples in Luke. Jesus demonstrated his authority, leaving Simon Peter begging at his feet to leave, as he was such a sinful man (Luke 5:8). In spite of his imperfections, Jesus determined he was ready—he knew the talent was there.

In our lives, we may hear the Lord’s call and feel ready for our opportunity to be called up, only to be derailed or delayed by adversity.

In 1941, a teenage pitcher named Lou Brissie was pitching in an amateur league and was so successful that he drew the attention of future Hall of Famer Connie Mack, who offered him a contract to join the Philadelphia Athletics organization. However, his father insisted he finish school first.

Shortly thereafter, World War II began, and in 1942, Brissie enlisted in the Army. He aimed to serve his country with honor but still hoped to pursue baseball afterward. In 1944, he found himself in Italy with the 88th Infantry Division, where he came under artillery barrage. A shell exploded, shattering his left tibia and shinbone into 30 pieces.

Doctors told him they would need to amputate his leg, but he implored them to do whatever possible to save it, even if it cost him his life, because he was a baseball player. Dozens of surgeries and blood transfusions later, Brissie still had his leg—and a sliver of hope for his baseball future.

Upon hearing of Brissie’s heroic determination, Mack promised him an opportunity to pitch and simply urged him to get well. Brissie said Mack’s words were a tremendous motivator. Roughly a year later, Brissie pitched on crutches in a workout for Mack, who still believed in the talent he had once seen in a teen playing in an amateur league.

After years of rehabilitation and pain, in 1948, Lou Brissie got his turn to be called up. He went on to win 14 games for the Athletics that season and pitched seven seasons in the big leagues, later admitting that he was in pain with every pitch.

Despite everything he had been through, he still had someone who saw something in him and gave him an opportunity.

Jesus saw Peter, who admitted his own imperfections and stood in awe of all that Jesus was. Yet, Jesus not only brought him along but eventually called him to be the flag bearer for the faith.

Don’t be intimidated by your failures—for we are all unworthy of Christ. We have each been called to serve His Kingdom and share our faith in this world. We have something in common with Peter and Lou Brissie: We have someone who has given us an opportunity.

What are we going to do with it?

 


Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.