Would Jesus Choose Your Boat.....?

I opened the year 2015 talking about defining moments - Defining Moments arent these moments that we wait for and hope theyll come to us but rather God has already placed these moments in our paths and they are there waiting for us to step into them and define them.

So we looked at a few examples throughout scripture and we could find more and more if we wanted to spend the time searching. - if you missed the blog I recommend checking it out - we were purposeful in that being the 1st message in 2015…. Because 

Getting practical I mentioned 2 items, 2 practical ways to set us up to define moments

1. Beg for the Holy Spirit guidance and   2.  15 in 2015 

Now I am promoting, being the crusader, the lobbyist that this year 2015 be a year a growth (you could get excited about that if you want to) a year of growth for all of us in many different ways and a year of growth in your lives personally. 

Ok I said all of that to set up the next couple of weeks as we take a little journey with Jesus, Peter and his boat… looking at these 2 growth areas for us…. Our character and our courage.

Alright, you ready! - luke 5

 “One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

5 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.”

6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 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.

8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 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 fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:1-11

In preparing for this message I came across this piece of modern history regarding this location of Lake Gennersaret which today is called Lake Kinneret:

-  During the mid-eighties a severe drought drained the lake to its lowest level ever. During that time a boat dating back to the first century was discovered. After years of careful restoration, the boat is now on display at the Kibbutz. 

It is dubbed “the Jesus boat” because it dates to the time period of His ministry. Jesus could very well have sailed in a boat of similar size to the one pictured above.

And in this story, of luke ch.5 when he came to the shore of the lake the people followed. 

Jesus noticed two boats along the seashore.

Luke used the word ploiarion, meaning “a little boat” which certainly fits the picture of this boat. 

Here is where the fishermen would be washing out and repair their nets after an excursion on the lake. 

They would wash out the lake grass and an odd sandal or two that they had drug up while fishing! 

Atleast thats what I would catch if I were fishing. 

So here was Simon after a tough night of fishing cleaning up his boat, setting up the nets to dry in the sun and along comes Jesus who picks his boat and asks for it to be pushed just off shore to serve as a floating platform. This would have been an ideal way for Jesus’ voice to carry across the water to the maximum amount of the people – and the water keep the crowds back so that more could hear.

As soon as Jesus sat down, a hush came over the crowd because that was the sign given by all rabbis before they began to teach. Jesus always had a compelling story to tell and the crowd pressed in to listen to Him….. And the thought came to me….

Why did Jesus choose 1 boat over the other? Now one could certainly argue that Jesus wasnt purposeful in selecting one boat over the other… just simple happen-stance. But I would argue it was very intentional. And that the pattern of Jesus’ life was very intentional with all those he dealt with directly…. And indirectly. 

Because you see He makes those decisions in our lives daily.

Which is what we spoke about last blog. That God has already set us up for those ‘defining moments’ - that the life changing defining moments in our lives dont simply come to us but that they are there, placed by God for us to step into them and define those moments.

So that would answer the debate if He was intentional or not. 

However today I want us to look at this from another angle of why did He choose Simon Peters boat? 

And ask us to be open and aware here today asking ourselves  

“Would He choose your boat?”

And so for us to answer that question I’d like us to investigate these first few verses in 

Luke 5 

Why Jesus chose Simon Peters boat…

 vs. 2 “He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.”

Simon was willing to stop what he was doing to get involved in what Jesus was doing.

Look at this: Simon was busy right? I mean not just right now as he’s cleaning out his nets but he’s been fishing for hours and now he’s on the back end cleaning up. 

When you’ve been busy at work for hours and now youre in the wrap up stage of closing things out and getting things done…. How open are you to interruptions? You probably love them right? :)

Youre totally cool with that. 

Well Simon was cuz he knew something bigger was going on 

So how about us? Would Jesus choose your boat b/c He knew you would be totally cool with extending your work hours cuz something bigger was going on….

How about we make it personal. What is it that God is doing that He wants you to be a part of? 

Have you engaged in that? Have you stepped into that moment making a defining moment decision that you are ready and willing?
What God has made absolutely clear to us all when it comes to His Kingdom work is what is most important is our Availability not our Ability - are you open to being interrupted by God? 

If yes, He’ll choose your boat.

  Vs. 3  “He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore.”

Simon was willing to do a little thing 

Not only was he willing and available but when it comes to pushing the boat out just a little ways well Simon was way overqualified for that. 

We’re talking about a deep sea fisherman here, not a push a few feet from the shore guy.

You see Simon’s attitude here. He’s basically sayin, “Im all in here!” I dont care how small the task, I’m honored just to be a part of this.

Is there anything you've pushed aside thinking “oh thats not for me, thats just a little task and I’m way to overqualified for that?” Have you? 

Maybe its getting involved in ministry somewhere that you know theres a need, maybe even a desperate need but “oh someone else will do it.” - but heres the growth area for us… 

that we’re willing to do it, to move forward the focus mission. Where we have the thought, “this is my church, I love focus church, I love the mission and vision here” so we ask ourselves “how can I forward the focus mission?”

Maybe its being a part of the childrens ministry, maybe its being a help to our youth, student ministry leaders, maybe its being a part 1st impressions team, getting up early to be here greeting others as they walk in, or the hospitality team, setting up the breakfast area, getting coffee made and snacks out for everyone, realizing the bigger picture that people will get invited here who are in a discovery mode when it comes to Christ and you’ll do any little thing you can to help bigger cause.

Its also outside the walls of the church. Its being willing to do that little extra thing at the workplace but in doing that others see you operating in the “love in action” mode and they begin to ask you ?s 

(continue) its the little things like being one of those folks cook a portion of a meal we take out to montrose, and so many other opportunities to just do the little thing.

Will He choose your boat?

 Vs 3-4 “He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Simon Peter was sensitive to Jesus’ voice 

You ever notice sometimes we get caught up in selective listening? 

Like I get in trouble for this at the house alll the time…. (laptop tv convo, 2 min later I ask ?) 

Dont just get caught up in what you want to hear - Jesus said in Jn 14:15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

What has God been speaking to you that maybe, just maybe you’ve put on the side burner?

So we’re talking about this season of growth for our church but more importantly a season of growth in your lives personally. So I asked you to commit to 15 in 2015 right? 

Now I meet with a group of guys on wed nights and I asked them all of them if they could come next week with how are they going to grow in 2015? That they would listen, be sensitive to what and how they could grow this year… and we’re gonna talk about  - we used Eph 5:1-20 as a starting scripture - 

So ill ask all of you the same ? - use eph 5 to get started and be sensitive to Gods voice on what and how you will grow this year….

Jesus chose Simon Peters boat b/c he was sensitive to Gods voice - would He choose your boat?

How about it… Will you step into this moment and define this moment?

Vs 5 “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.” and in vs 2 “washing their nets”

Simon was a worker

How does Proverbs 12:24 apply to your life: “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” or proverbs 21:25 - “Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work.”

Again b/c of the bigger picture Simon was willing, and if it included more work he was open to that.

Would Jesus choose your boat?

As we spoke about these defining moments, how do you think people would define you as a worker? You know on a scale from 1-10   (poll in yv app) 

I found this memo that went out to all employees at a company that will remain nameless (maybe its your company…) - trying to motivate their folks 

Human Resources: Distribution: ALL STAFF Tuesday Jan 3rd.

Dear Staff,

It is advised that you come to work dressed according to your salary.

If we see you wearing Prada trainers & carrying a Gucci bag we assume you are doing well financially and therefore you do not need a pay rise.

If you dress poorly, you need to learn to manage your money better, so that you may buy nicer clothes and therefore you do not need a pay rise.

If you dress in-between, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a pay rise.

SICK DAYS:
We will no longer accept a doctor statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

PERSONAL DAYS:

Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year.
They are called Saturday & Sunday.

I dont know about you but thats not real motivating to me...

Peter was a worker which leads to #5

 v. 5“But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Simon was willing to use what he possessed to receive what Jesus had for him.

Simon Peter used his own net. 

I think there are times in life when we feel like we have nothing to offer. You may feel that way today. 

What could I possibly offer. I dont have much. I’m not skilled for ministry I just work in an office, I’m an accountant or I’m real estate agent or I’m an electrician - but here we see a man, Simon who was a common worker, a fisherman by trade filming episodes of Deadliest Catch for Discovery channel and all he had was a boat and some nets…. But he didnt let that persuade him that it was of no value.

Folks hear me today please hear me… you have value. You have great value. God did not place 

you here on this earth just to eat, breath and take up space. He has a plan for you. 

A specific plan. Jer. 29:11

And that plan includes what you have today, what you possess today. God will use you, and what you have to impact those around you for His Kingdom and His glory.

If your taking notes write this principle down, I mentioned this briefly earlier but I dont want you to miss this….Its not about your ability, it about your availability.

It has nothing to do with the skills you posses and if you think they will be effective or not, what matters to God is are you willing? Are you available? Available for Him to work through you?

Thats what matters. Thats the attitude hes looking for…. Would he choose your boat?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” Eph. 2:10

v. 5 “Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so” and v. 8 “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

Simon Peter recognized the Lordship of Jesus.

How many people do you think recognize God and who He is... but not as their savior?

He is not Lord of their lives. Sure I know God but as you look at my everyday life can you tell He’s the Lord of my life? That God is the one who directs my path? 

Or does my life look like every other person who God is not the Lord of their life?

Would Jesus choose your boat? 

Maybe youre thinking, absolutely He is Lord. I live my life for Christ and His will for my life 

Or maybe your thinking Yeah I’m not totally sure about that….

Remember what we learned last week, youre only one defining moment away from a new life, a new future. 

That with God, He’ll take any one of us when we’re ready to step into His presence and follow Him. He doesnt care what color, what language, what tribe, what boundary, he doesn’t care our background, rather nobility or peasant if we say, “God I want You” He lets us step into a new definition of ourselves.

So the question is, do you recognize the Lordship of Jesus as Simon did?

Today is the day. 

Is he truly directing your path or are you still the captain of the ship?

Would he choose your boat?

Watch video of message: Would Jesus Choose Your Boat?