"I Go A Fishing"

by J. Miller | Category: Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings | Dec 1982

In the words of Peter by the sea of Tiberias, "I go a fishing" (John 21:3), we have the evidence of Peter's mode of living and acting before the Lord called him. Of this the Lord reminded him in the words: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee. When thou wast young thou girdest thyself. and walkedst whither thou wouldest". Peter was a characteristic young man: independent in thought as to his movements. Perhaps as a boy, with early traces of leadership in him, he was difficult to manage, and when he grew into manhood he went where, and did as, he liked.

Complete subjection and resignation to the Lord's will he had not learned, despite his years of sojourn with that Blessed One: so he wilfully said: "I go a fishing". Even "if the Lord will" (James 4:15) would not have been in place here, for he knew how the Lord had called him from his daily occupation of fishing, and also the Lord's command regarding the appointed meeting in Galilee. But what patience the Lord had with His erring disciple and what love He showed to Peter despite his waywardness. The Lord knew where to touch Peter, where He knew he would respond at once; that was in the matter of his love for the Lord. Peter did love his Lord and Master. Evidence of this is seen when John said to him (verse 7) that it was the Lord who stood on the shore; he did not take long to decide between remaining in the boat with the disciples or going to the Lord through the water: he immediately cast himself into the sea to reach the Lord, whose Person and claims he had momentarily lost sight of.

The Lord not only spoke to Peter of when he was young, but also of when he would be old: "When thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Now this He spake, signifying by what manner of death he should glorify God". Between the time of Peter's being young and being old, he had spent a lifetime of learning the will of God.

In His submission to the will of God, the Lord is our great Pattern. He has left us an example that we should follow His steps: "For Christ also pleased not Himself" (Romans 15:3). He Himself could say: "I do always the things that are pleasing to Him" (John 8:29). His delight was to do the will of God. But at what a cost! Who can value it? None but God can.

J. Miller | Dec 1982
Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings