Peter Went Fishing

                         

The account of  Peter fishing with some of the other disciples captured my attention one day. It’s in the Gospel of John. Peter and a few other disciples went fishing after Jesus' death and resurrection, that’s right, he went fishing and the others followed. What was going on in his head during this crisis? 

BeforeThe Fishing Trip:

Jesus prophesied that Peter would deny him 3 times. Peter was incredulous at the idea, he loved and believed Jesus' message. He was confident that he would never abandon Jesus, but he did, and he was filled with shame and remorse. That’s the state he was in when Jesus died, and like the others he was also shocked, heartbroken and afraid. When the first account of the resurrection came to them, Peter wanted to believe that Jesus was alive so he ran to his tomb. As crazy as it sounded, maybe he had come back from the dead? Maybe, he would get a chance to see him and tell him just how sorry he was. Amazing! His garments were on the floor, but yet again, another disappointment, Jesus was not at the tomb. So he decided to go back to fishing.

The Fishing Trip

Peter knew how to fish, he was comfortable in that position and there in his old life Jesus showed up. Despite his failure the other disciples expected Peter to lead them. Those that were there that day were experienced fishermen. They knew what they were doing and where to go for good fish, yet they caught nothing all night. Then, Jesus asked them if they caught anything, they had to acknowledge their empty nets. They didn’t recognize Jesus and Jesus didn’t identify himself, he simply commanded them to cast their nets on the right side this time. It’s amazing to me that despite their fatigue and discouragement they did! The disciples cast their net and another miracle happened. After it was pointed out to Peter that it was Jesus at the edge of the water, in his reactionary fashion, he jumped into the water and swam to Him. Peter forgot his past failure, in the presence of the Lord he was strong again. Jesus wanted to see the fish they caught when they followed his instruction. 150 large fish! Peter and the others enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Jesus and the terrible recent past was almost forgotten.

Except that the reality of the major changes had to be faced, Peter needed to face himself. As they are finishing their breakfast, basking in the wonder, Jesus asked, “Simon son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” Peter in his self confident way responded “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” He knew that Jesus had forgiven him. “Then feed my lambs” Peter had to feed them what they needed to make it in the kingdom. Then Jesus said, Simon son of Jonah, do you love me? Again, all Peter could say, “Yes Lord, you know that I do” Jesus now said “Then take care of my sheep”  Peter would be tempted to deny Jesus again, he wouldn’t want to take care of those stubborn foolish sheep. Jesus was again foretelling what would come.  Finally Jesus asked a third time “Simon Son of Jonah, do you love me?” Peter, acknowledged his Lordship, his omnipotence by saying “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you” Now Peter understood, what Jesus was calling him to do was going to prove his true love. It was very possible that he would fail again. He would suffer, could he still love Jesus? He would be humiliated, could he still love Jesus? He would give his life, could he remain faithful? Peter would need the strength and power of Jesus to do God's will, to be a fisher of men. At that moment, as he’s getting called back to the ministry, he wants to know about the future of another disciple. Oh Peter, so quick to get out of his own lane! 

It’s now well over two thousands of years since that day, yet the story lives on and is applicable today still. Crisis comes to all of us. Have I failed Jesus? Can I keep my eyes on what God has called me to do and endure to the end? Only because of the death of Christ can my sin be washed away and only by his resurrection can I live because He lives in me. 

A Sunday School Teacher

 

Qualifications of a Minister

When I was a young woman and a new convert, a new born again Christian barely saved for about six months, I heard of a need for a Sunday school teacher in our small church. By small I mean about 20-25 people. I came to my church in the 'pioneer stage', we were growing in numbers one soul at a time. Our little church had 3, sometimes 4 adolescent children that needed someone to teach them about Gods and his word. Wow! "That would be nice, to teach the children about Jesus" I thought. Then I laughed to myself because I remembered that I was in need of being taught so much.  I imagined that to be in any kind of ministry, a person must have certain degrees or certifications to qualify. I was unlearned and inexperienced. Maybe one day, when I had prepared, I could be a Sunday school teacher myself. 

Let No Man Despise Your Youth

You can imagine my surprise the following Sunday when my pastor's wife mentioned again the need for a teacher. I worked up the courage to ask her what was needed to be able to fill that ministry need and how much experience did I need?. She smiled and said, “Well, you must be saved of course. Other than that, just a right heart and willingness to teach and help our kids.” Incredible. I wondered if she could use me? So I nervously offered. Another week passed. Another sister, one that was older, perhaps with experience, and she was a wife and mother had also made herself available. I was embarrassed that I had offered, right then and there I dropped it out of my mind.

On the fourth Sunday, I was delighted, shocked and worried all at once when Kathy, my pastor's wife, asked me to be the new Sunday school teacher. Oh what an honor I felt, yes, she had asked me, but God had seen my heart. I so desired to be a Sunday School teacher. From that day, at nineteen years old I was a Sunday school teacher for about thirty years. My students were adolescent kids. That age group can have a bad rep sometimes but despite the dark cloud that hangs over them at times, adolescents are raw with emotion and sometimes need us more than ever.  

A Shift in Ministry

My life came to an almost halt one day when caregiving for my father was necessary. Then came the moment that I had to step down from my ministry. It took a long time for me to accept that I had to. I didn’t want to quit. then it took some time to let it go. When I did, I was busy, my hands were full, my father needed me and the ministry was thriving with new young teachers. Some of them had been my students. So I focused on my fathers need for a savior and for a caregiver and with my sister and we gave all that we could until he rested.

They Will Still Bear Fruit in Old Age: Ps 92:14

Then once again, my lovely God let me hear of a need for a Sunday School teacher. My heart pitter pattered. That couldn’t be, we had a thriving church with plenty of wise young and younger women that could teach these little children. Should I ask the Sunday School director about it? Would she even consider me again? Could I even do it? I was so different and maybe this generation of kids was too. So I tentatively approached the director and wondered if it was true. “Do you really need a Sunday School teacher? I wonder if you could use me? Will you pray with me about it? And so we prayed. 

I’m A Sunday School Teacher Again!

A volcano of emotions erupted this past week as I counted my busy days before my first Sunday back. I pondered at the wonder of teaching children that were my grand children's age. Lil Alba calls me “Momma Rosie”. I marveled at the idea of partnering with one of my old Sunday school students. I wanted everything to be perfect, but I over-prepared. How do you teach a just and balanced lesson on the Plague of the First Born? Be careful and gentle the lesson warned. More study, less details, oh I was nervous for sure. Before I knew it I was teaching our "little Angels" of the church. Little Everly said “When are we gonna do the craft? We always do crafts.” Oops! I didn’t plan a craft. I wanted to know how I did, but I didn’t want to know. It’s probably best that I do not know anyway. However, what I am taking from that first day back to Sunday School is this:

Two of my students wanted to be near the new Sunday School teacher (me) as we prayed at the altar. And, Little Kate, who has never ever really known that I exist, this past Sunday, she said “Bye Miss Rosie” as I was leaving. That made me feel validated. So very happy to be back on the saddle again!