Did Peter's Net Break?

I’ve not written much this month because Altha and I have been busy moving in to our new home in San Jose, and doing the many things necessary to get settled. And of course these many things were not accomplished without a certain amount of stress.  My days have been full.

The other day I was thinking about the time (right after Peter’s denial) that he and the Disciples went fishing. After a night of catching nothing, a stranger shouted from the shore to cast their net on the other side of the boat; and immediately the net was filled—you might say, to the breaking point. (Did it break?) That’s when Peter knew the ‘stranger’ was Jesus.  It seems this event was perfectly timed to remind Peter of what Jesus had promised 3 years earlier: a “full-net” fishers-of-men ministry.

Even so, I knew that when I joined my Father’s “fishing” business, I could expect a full net (Col. 2:10).  But honestly, there have been times in the last few months when I thought it would break. But I also know He will never give more than I can hold (1 Cor. 10:13); He won't break me (Is. 42:3). That's why I can answer my own question, No, Peter's net did not break that day (and neither will yours or mine).

Jesus is Not Surprised by Your Failure

As a child, I envisioned growing up to be the greatest preacher of all times (certainly someone would have to replace Billy Graham). When I got married I was sure I would be the husband every woman dreamed of. When Esther was born, I resolved to be as perfect a father as any child ever wanted. To greater and lesser degrees, I failed at each of these. But because of my failures, I am a better father, husband, pastor/teacher.

Accordingly, I thank God for showing me the failures of Peter. Peter, most confident of disciples, stepped out of the boat to walk on water and declared allegiance to Jesus to his last breath! Peter probably had few failures in his life—I wonder what he thought when Jesus foretold his failure (Luke 22:31-34).

I am also intrigued that Jesus did NOT say ‘Peter, I am praying you won’t fail.’ Rather Jesus prays: that 1) Peter’s faith will not fail, and 2) he will RETURN and strengthen his brothers. Why doesn’t Jesus just pray that Peter won’t fail? Wouldn’t Jesus’ prayer have been answered? Yes, but Jesus knew that Peter needed to fail—in order to be broken of self-confidence and self-reliance so he could do the work he was called to do.

After his failure, Peter did what many people do. He turned back to familiar things. Is this why Jesus prayed he would RETURN! Not surprising, Peter turned back to the one thing he did well: FISHING! He fished all night, but FAILED to catch even a minnow.

The incident serves as a vivid reminder to Peter (read the whole story in John 21) that Jesus had promised he would become a great fisher of men. Changing the analogy, but with the same intent, Jesus spoke the words: “feed my sheep.” The significance should not escape us. BECAUSE of his failure, Peter was ready to give up. And Jesus says BECAUSE of your failure, I can now use you.

Without a bitter experience of his own inadequacy, Peter was not ready to feed the sheep. Not until he had miserably failed in his own strength was Peter ready to fulfill his calling to be the great evangelist and shepherd of the early Church.

[Question: Does God MAKE you FAIL? Answer: No, You don’t need any help with that! He just allows you to dig your own hole and fall into it, knowing this will cause you to RETURN to Him.]