Good afternoon, Zane.
It sure has been a gorgeous Spring day out there so far. Instructions following my cataract surgery tell me I’m not supposed to be doing much. But yesterday I plastered a church van in Vancouver with graphics and hung a sign in Colton. But I will resist running my sawmill for now as the warning of allowing myself to be in a dusty environment is strong. It’s kinda hard to “waste” this beautiful weather.
I’d like to hear from you. Love and prayers—Tua/Ray.
Just prior to this, Jesus performed the sensational miracle of healing a leper who came to Him with these words: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean” (v. 12). Jesus then touched the man—something that clean people are not supposed to do to a leper—saying, “I am willing”—and bingo!—suddenly (or simultaneously) Jesus was not touching a leper!
And just prior to that, Jesus did another sensational miracle. Normally, we think of God doing miracles only in response to faith and belief. But He performed this one in response to unbelief. Jesus simply said to Peter, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (v. 4). Peter probably figured, “What does Jesus know about fishing anyway? I’m the pro here!” Peter resisted, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (v. 5). Peter had no idea at that point that the One to Whom he spoke made all those fish!—and knew exactly how to make them do what He wanted them to do. I don’t know about you, but I quite like the idea of doing life in partnership with a Lord Who knows everything about everything. Furthermore, I like the idea of doing life with a Lord Who likes fish, and Who can help obedient servants catch them—if He wants.
And just prior to that, Jesus was engaged in some sensational preaching ministry to a big crowd of eager listeners while He addressed them from a floating platform—Peter’s boat.
There is something within us that causes us to lust after that kind of sensational positive powerful public performance—doing miracles along with powerful preaching with people clamoring for our attention. But the tail end of this reading drops on us a clue as to cause and effect, even in the life of Jesus—“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (v. 16). You have to admit—there isn’t anything very sensational or overtly attractive about a “lonely place” of prayer—unless, of course, you are in love with the One to Whom you pray.
I’m sure there are other lessons here to be gleaned, but this one seems to stand out to me: AS A PRACTICAL PRINCIPLE, PERSONAL PRIVATE PRAYER (love relationship) MUST PRECEED POSITIVE PUBLIC PERFORMANCE.