The BIG Catch

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken,and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

As we enter the New Year - let us see a few important lessons from this story
Obedience
Peter was a seasoned fisherman –however he did not say to Jesus “you are a carpenter, I know more about fishing than you”. He was willing to let go of his so called experience and obey Jesus – He let the nets down.
The disciples were radical- They left everything to follow Jesus. For some of us it will be a laying down of things and following Jesus.
Be willing to just obey Jesus.

Expect the Big catch
What a catch!!!!- They got -It blew their mind - As you obey Jesus this year you can expect God to break in with amazing blessings.
I am Believing God for a Big catch- I encourage you to do the same.

In everything –see Jesus
Peter has just been blessed with an amazing catch- I would have expected him to be rejoicing and giving thanks – but here he falls at the feet of Jesus, sees his own sinfulness and the holiness of God. Every miracle will draw us to see the greatness of Jesus. May we never lose sight of Jesus- It is all about honouring his name.

Help of one another
It is not about me doing my thing. Our nets will break – we need help.
Call for help- hundreds will come in and all need to be cared for. Be willing to help-A united people is a great strength- We are in this together- we are partners- James and John were partners with Simon.
And lastly
From Now on you will catch me
Those who have encountered Jesus are recruited to this Calling. Let us not miss this. Catching people for God was the prime call on the disciples when Jesus first recruited them.
Everything in Church life is good- kids work- youth work- music -Bible teaching- working for the poor - generosity etc but let us not forget-
Jesus said “from now on you will catch men”

Masiha Church this year let us step into the deep
May we all have a very fruitful God filled 2009