Re:Verse reading–Luke 5:1-11 (day five)
The world has it wrong… It says “Meekness = Weakness”. Our current culture has distorted humility to mean that “I am lowly, insignificant, and incapable of being productive in any facet of life”. What Jesus does with Peter after the miraculous catch is to define what biblical humility, true humility looks like. Jesus immediately speaks hope, mission, and confidence to Peter. Verse 10- And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” Note, Jesus removes only the fear out of his humility, and replaces fear with courage, trust, and boldness. An encounter with the power and grace of God makes the human heart humble- reverent, submissive, hope-filled, and obedient. Identity and opportunity become clearer. Look at these first disciples’ response. Verse 11- When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
In their humility, they trusted and followed their new Master.
Does your life reflect that kind of humility?
Peter probably realized that Jesus had the power and the authority on earth through the “magic fish-catching” episode and that He is God. He seemed to be reluctant to listen to Jesus to throw the fishing net back into the water at first. Peter could not catch any fish for the whole day even he was a professional fisherman so how Jesus, a carpenter, could tell him how to fish.
I am sure Peter was in doubt but did anyway, maybe He felt nothing to lose! Amazingly, Jesus provided magic catch that could have scared Peter to death. Peter could have realized how little he was as compared to Jesus’ supremacy. Jesus fulfilled his economic needs and showed Peter faith and obedience are a life changing. In my view, Peter submitted himself to Jesus as he became aware of himself and reality. Jesus was the one with all power and supreme authority over the earth affairs!
Humility helps us see who we really are and not who we think we are. It is an open door to endless opportunities and possibilities for continuous improvements and growth from where we are!
“Humility is the proper estimate of oneself.” Charles Spurgeon
“Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.”~~Confucius
“If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”~~Mother Teresa
I could not agree more with Confucius and Mother Teresa. We make more friends and less enemies when we embrace the concept of humility over pride. It is true that humility is the opposite end of pride. Pride leads to self-serving for one’s glory. Humility opens doors and pride closes doors! Pride prevents us to see and to open up our shortcomings!
American culture is about pride and individual accomplishments. Changing to the culture of humility requires a cultural transformation. The road to humility is not easy and it takes practice and patience. Cultural change is never easy. Jesus shows us how to practice humility, led the truth, the way and the life. He shows us what humility is! Are we all prepared to lead others by Jesus’ examples?
Also, please read the following, What Humility Is Not! http://www.thedivinemercy.org/news/What-Humility-Isnt-2222