Get Out of the Boat

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment,….and threw himself into the sea. (John 21:7)

This was a moment that brought back memories of a time when Jesus had come through for Peter in the past. I think this shows that Jesus has a sense of humor and greatly values the relationship with His followers. As the fish piled into the net, the disciples were beginning to remember a night similar to this when they fished all night but caught nothing. In the morning, when they were exhausted from their own efforts, Jesus shows up with a blessing they could not imagine.

When Peter realized it was Jesus on the shore, he recklessly threw himself into the water to get Him. The first time Peter got out of the boat to get to Jesus, he took his eyes off of Him and began to sink. This time, nothing was going to stand in the way of Peter reaching Jesus. This meeting would lead to Jesus having a one-on-one conversation with Peter that would call Peter to a greater mission and purpose. This time Peter was all in.

When was the last time we recklessly abandoned our circumstances to get to Jesus? Surrender, submission, obedience and even love are not done out of emotion but by choice. Emotional reactions are temporary and external. The choice to follow Jesus is an internal one that abandons the need for reward in order to follow. After all, love given with the expectation of a reward is not love at all but is merely a transaction. To choose to recklessly love Jesus is to choose to recklessly love those that He loves. The great thing about loving Jesus, all in, is we can never out love Him.

Loving Jesus and having a greater relationship with him also leads to a greater purpose for us in Him. As we remember how Jesus has worked in our lives in the past, let us be obedient to let Him work in our lives in the present and surrender our lives to Him for the future as well. Let’s get out of the boat today and every day. Let’s be recklessly obedient to Jesus.

Love Y’all! Be Blessed!