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. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 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.
4 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.”
5 “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.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 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.
8 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.
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.