In Luke 5:2-8, we see Jesus intentionally choose Peter’s boat. There were two boats in the water, so why did Jesus choose Peter’s? 

“He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So He sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.””

Peter failed at fishing that night and also failed Jesus by denying Him three times during their time together leading up to the cross. But Jesus knew all that and still chose Peter from the start. Peter goes on to save many people and start many churches as a failure.  Jesus restored Peter for the three times he denied Jesus.  Jesus knows we are failures and will use us anyway. He intentionally chose you and me, despite your failures and mine. Nobody is perfect, just remember Jesus loves you, exactly as you are, failures and all. He chose you, exactly as you are.    

Let’s pray.

Please use us even though we can be a mess and fail. Fill us with Your peace and help us to feel how incredibly deep Your love is for us, no matter how many times we fail. You love us and are right there waiting to love us each and every time we fail. Thank you Lord! In Jesus’ name, amen.