Daily Devotional

Recently, we’ve had several game nights planned at our church. Regarding games, it would be awesome to have access to “power-ups” in life, similar to those found in video games. A good power-up can completely change the dynamic of a game. They can feel like little superpowers that can make everything a little easier. I know for me, there have been so many times when I’ve been stuck and needed help, and having something give me a boost would have been incredibly helpful.

The backstory to the verse starts with a few of Jesus’ first disciples who had been fishing all night but had not seen the results they were hoping for. And remember, this isn’t the type of fishing where you just drop a line in the water and sit there until something bites. They had to throw the nets into the water and then raise them up over and over again to see if they caught anything. This was exhausting work, likely leaving the disciples feeling frustrated and running on empty.

So, Jesus shows up and simply tells Simon to let down his net again. He didn’t give him a special technique. He didn’t give him any bait. He didn’t have him move his boat to a special part of the lake. The biggest difference was this time Jesus was in Simon’s boat. And not only did, Jesus provide them with so many fish that their boats began to sink, but more importantly, He leveled up their lives. He tells them that from now on, you’re not just going to be fishermen, but you’re going to be catching men. Like Simon, Jesus too can level up our lives, all we must do is take the first step.

New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.