But what caught my attention was much more from his side comments or background explanation to the passage.
FIRST CALLS
He taught us it is not that Peter magically followed Jesus at the first call. In fact, there were two calls before he responded.
In the first meeting, Jesus gave him a new name Peter (from Cephas, John 1:40-42).
Second call is mentioned in Matthew 4:18-20. This time Jesus addressed Peter by the name Jesus gave him. This time Jesus specifically asked him to follow him. And he did.
Third incident happened when at the direction of Jesus, Peter and his friends caught a huge number of fish (Matthew 5:4-10). By then Peter left everything he had and followed Jesus.
I remember a friend's comment: God's call for ministry is intricate. There are multiple fabrics that God worn. There is no one event.
SECOND CALLS
After multiple calls, Peter finally followed Jesus as long as Jesus lived physically. Then when Jesus died, though Jesus already appeared to them twice according to John 20, he goes "fishing".
Jesus asked for love from John 21:15 onward. He challenged for another level of following Jesus. Not by sight by but faith, just as we are called for. To perform miracles, not watch Jesus do. Accepting God's power and our inability.
MY REFLECTION
I realized God does not call just one time. If he calls just once, none of us would come to ministry. Because we are concerned for many things in life. Knowing that Jesus persistently calls everyone.
So sometimes, I am not very worried when I see people whom God is calling but haven't responded yet. God is persistent and he will not give up.
I also need to keep my eyes open for other levels of commitment and intimacy he requires from me and my family.
I really thank my pastor for sharing this powerful message this morning.
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