ODB: a much greater plan
September 19, 2009
READ: Luke 5:1-11
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” —Luke 5:10
Recently our family was in Erie, Pennsylvania, visiting a relative. While there, we had a chance to swim in the community swimming pool. It was fun, but our host wanted to take us to Lake Erie to enjoy the sandy beaches, the cresting waves, and the beauty of the setting sun. My children protested because they wanted to swim in the pool. But I tried to get them to see that going to the beaches of Presque Isle would be a much greater plan.
I believe Jesus wanted Simon Peter to see He had something much greater in mind for him—he would “catch men” (Luke 5:10) instead of fish. Jesus told Peter to go to the deeper water and let down his nets for a catch (v.4). Peter had just returned from an unsuccessful night of fishing, but at Jesus’ command he obeyed and said, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (v.5). Humbled by the miraculous catch of fish, Peter bowed in awe before the Lord, who then told him that from that point on He wanted him to fish for men. Peter left everything and followed Him.
God’s greater plan for us may not be to leave our occupation. But it’s His plan that we use our time, resources, and careers to bring others into the kingdom. — Marvin Williams
The next person you meet may need to meet Christ.
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Loading ...ODJ: the peace of the city
Work for the peace and prosperity of the city (v.7).
READ: Jeremiah 29:4-9
We love our city. When we moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, we truly desired to be here, to live here, for our story to intertwine with our city’s story. We felt a new call: For our welfare to be connected with the welfare of our neighborhood. One night, I even found myself watching the city’s public access channel, intrigued by a city council meeting debate over a sidewalk controversy. Oddly, I found that I actually cared.
During part of its difficult history, Israel found itself in a new city it had not chosen. The Babylonians had forced Israel to pack up and move into exile. Understandably, Israel’s temptation was to resist. This was not their home, not their people, not their land.
The prophet Jeremiah, however, penned a letter his distraught people, offering some unusual instructions. Jeremiah encouraged them to be fully present in this new place. “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children” (29:5-6). Rather than spending their days looking for escape, Jeremiah told the people to do the most basic human things: nurture their families, tend their land, build a life there, in Babylon. Instead of resenting their captive city, they were to seek its well-being. For as they prayed and worked for Babylon’s good, they would find their own. “[Babylon’s] welfare,” Jeremiah said, “will determine your welfare” (v.7).
The incarnation of Jesus calls us to give ourselves to particular people and places, to live as though we share the same hopes and struggles as our neighbors (because we do). One writer put it this way: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. . . . But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” —Winn Collier
What is your city’s story? What concrete ways can you pray for and pursue the peace and prosperity of your city?
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