Have you ever experienced something and it changed your life? Some people read an article or saw a documentary which led them to a meatless lifestyle. Others read one book and set a path to become an author. Still others had a police officer or firefighter rescue them and it became their profession of choice. What each scenario has in come is an encounter. Each person encountered something that changed the course of their lives. Have you ever had an encounter?
The Story: Luke 5:1-11
In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus walked on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and drew crowds desiring to hear Him teach. Jesus saw two empty boats and stepped into one of them. He asked the owner, Simon Peter, to push out into the sea so He could teach the crowd. After teaching the people, Jesus told Peter to go out further to catch some fish. Peter advised that they worked all night and caught nothing. However, he would follow the words of Jesus. Peter let down the nets that immediately became so full that they almost broke. He requested help from the other boat. As a result of the amount of fish, both boats almost sank.
After Peter saw this miraculous haul, he fell to his knees before Jesus and asked to leave because he felt unworthy to remain in His presence. However, Jesus told him not to fear because he would become a fisher of people. Immediately, Peter and other fishermen left everything and followed Jesus.
The Lesson
What an encounter! Anytime we have an encounter with Jesus, our lives change. An encounter with Jesus causes us to see our filth and sin. In light of who He is, we see how unworthy we are. Just ask Isaiah. In Isaiah 6:1-7, the Prophet shows us what happens after an encounter. He immediately acknowledged that he was a sinful man with filthy lips. Keep in mind that he was already gifted and seeing visions from God prior to his encounter. Remember Romans 11:29 says that “gifts and callings are without repentance.” Therefore, a transformation isn’t required to flow in the things of God. However, an encounter highlights the need for a Savior when we are in the presence of a holy God.
If we’re doing the same things we did before we met Jesus, then we’re missing something. If we still lie, cuss, procrastinate, then we need an encounter with Jesus. The lack of conviction for our wrong behaviors, actions, and attitudes showcases the lack of an encounter. Please don’t follow the example of Simon the Sorcerer. In Acts 8:12-13 Simon heard the Good News of Jesus and was baptized. However in verses 18-19, we witness the absence of an encounter as he attempted to purchase the power that came only from the Holy Spirit. Yes, an encounter is necessary.
So why an encounter? It keeps us humble. It prevents us from operating in pride. This experience reminds us of our need for Jesus. An encounter with Him keeps us on our knees asking for Him to create a clean heart in us (Psalm 51:10-12). Therefore, we change and become fit for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:20-22). Change is the hallmark of an encounter.
Have you had an encounter?
