Calling

To round up the New Testament class I have been in, I wrote a paper. I used much of the material from this blog in the paper, so I thought it only fair that I use some elements in the paper on the blog.

In the Luke 5 account of the calling of Peter, previously I had focused almost entirely on the story—the prophetic knowledge of the Savior and the over-abundance of fish. This time however I tried to see what Peter saw that led him to follow Christ. Peter had just experienced a long, unfruitful, and probably frustrating day. To add insult to injury, a great deal of work still had to be done although they had worked into the night and caught no fish. While Peter is about this business, which he surely would simply like to quickly finish and leave, a stranger comes and asks him to cease his work, launch his boat, and wait for Him to deliver a sermon. Peter complies. That speaks volumes about the character of Peter and helps me understand part of why Jesus chose him as an apostle and later successor. The rest of the story speaks volumes of Christ.

Helping Jesus seemed the worst thing a fisherman could have done. From a professional standpoint Peter should have quickly finished his work, and retired home to plan for the next day. His time would have been well spent studying charts or the weather, and getting as much rest as possible to start the next day early and with energy. Peter however chose to help another, and for that Jesus blessed him. After Peter had shown that he was willing to sacrifice for his fellow men, after Peter had given of his talents, possessions, and his time (perhaps a tithe of his day) the Savior followed the pattern of the Lord’s promise in Malachi: “prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” _{–Malachi 3:5} Jesus gave Peter the opportunity to prove, to test, the Savior. When Peter exercised his faith in Jesus’ words, (again against ‘professional’ wisdom) Christ gave him a blessing so copious that there literally was not room to receive it all. There were more fish than his, and his partner’s, boats were designed to carry. Then Jesus invited him to leave his prize and follow Him. Peter (and his brother) Straightway left their nets, Forsook all, and followed him.

Peter obviously was capable of seeing things on a higher plane. Peter recognized that what the Savior had to offer was so much more important than the small fortune of fish he had caught, more important than the livelihood that he had chosen for himself and his family, more important than his home, possessions and friendship bonds. I hope that as I come to know Christ, I can see beyond the moment, beyond the fish or wealth or whatever is in front of me, and I can choose the better part like Peter did.

Christ’s method for calling His disciples was simple. There was no pomp or ceremony. Often it was three words of simple invitation, “Come follow me.” Christ did not promise wealth or power, in fact, in this case He did the opposite. He called Peter and John to leave their bounteous catch. Our call to follow Christ will likewise be subtle. Some calls come from private interviews with Priesthood leaders, other calls come as quiet whispers from the spirit calling us to action. Sometimes our invitation will be nothing more than an increased resolve to be righteous, strong and just. It is up to us to follow. We would do well to follow the example of Peter, straightway forsaking all and following Him.