Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Luke 5:7, “So they signaled to 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.”

Background

If you are one who watches football, then you are going to see an abundance of certain things. Most obvious are the giant men smashing and crashing into one another as they go up and down the field. Also apparent will be the amazing athleticism on display. The referees are hard to miss, too, with their zebra stripes and annoying yellow penalty flags. And of course the stands are full of thousands of fans, most of them wearing their team’s colors, and all of them cheering when their team is successful. Now, this success comes in a variety of ways. The most important cause for celebration is the scoring of a touchdown. It produces the most points and is the end goal of every possession. But other events are celebrated, too, and they can vary from a receiver making a sensational catch, a ball carrier’s dazzling run, or a defender’s big tackle of the opponent. And unfortunately, following the moment of these big plays, there has grown the tendency for the abundance of one other thing. And that thing is the egocentric celebration by the player who made the big play. Immediately after the play, he may strut down the field bobbing his head or stare at the opponent in mock superiority. There could be any number of gestures directed towards himself or the crowd, and who knows what the player is actually saying that those of us not on the field are graciously spared from hearing.

Application

It’s as stark a contrast to Simon after his huge catch of fish as there could be. He had just fished all night and caught nothing, the equivalent to losing 35-0 to your rival, when Jesus told him to go back out and try again where the fish rarely get caught. And not only does he catch some fish, but his net begins to break and the haul fills up two boats so that they begin to sink. But does Simon strut and crow and declare his superior fishing skills? No. He falls on his knees amidst the flopping, slimy fish and declares his sinfulness to Jesus. How do you handle success or victory? What does it bring out in you? What posture do you take in the presence of the crowd?

Charge

As we seek Him today, thank God for His blessings by acknowledging you had nothing to do with it. Let go of the need to take credit, and bask where there is no spotlight or applause.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words