Suddenly

I just received an unexpected phone call from an old friend.  Does this ever happen to you?  You get a call from a friend you haven’t seen for ten years. He’s in town and, naturally, wants to get together. But your day is already full.  You argue to yourself “I have plans; I have a schedule to keep.” But you know that that the Holy Spirit has opened this door, and you must go through. 

When you do something at a moment’s notice, it is with very little advance notice or warning, suddenly. Most of us don’t like having to do things at a moment’s notice. We prefer the Boy Scouts’ motto Be Prepared. Jesus had a way of suddenly showing up and changing things. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them (Luke 24:15); And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them” (Luke 24:36); “They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking” (John 619). “As Paul was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him” (Acts 9:3).

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know well that at a moment’s notice, or quite suddenly, the Holy Spirit will show up and change the direction of your day. And for that, we should always be prepared, prepared for those sudden moments when you have to change directions at the drop of a hat. “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping [unprepared]” (Mark 13:36).

Peter Just Could Not Stay Out of the Water!

To “throw yourself into something” is to do something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, even implying impulsive or reckless abandonment. Do you throw yourself into things without thinking? Or, perhaps you are like me, more cautious by nature?

Twice during the three years he spent with Jesus, Peter took an unanticipated plunge in the Sea of Galilee. The first time is the more legendary—the only disciple to step out of the boat and walk on water. But even then, as impetuous as he seemed, he first asked Jesus for permission. (Mark 14:28-29) Peter’s second water episode with Jesus is less celebrated.

When the disciples hadn't caught any fish all night, Jesus (they didn’t know it was him!) told them to cast their net on the other side. When the catch was overwhelming, they knew it was Jesus. While the other disciples respectfully returned to shore by boat, Peter “threw himself” into the water, and swam. (John 21)

Peter’s passionate response reflects his utter need. Is it possible that after his failure in denying Jesus, Peter desperately wanted reassurance of His love and acceptance? As never before, Peter felt his need for a Savior. In that moment nothing else mattered but getting to Jesus.

Maybe it’s time we “throw caution to the wind,” and, like Peter, “throw ourselves” at the feet of Jesus!