The Calling of the Apostle Peter.
By H. C. Miller
When Christ calls men to labor in his vineyard they labor with a degree of interest and zeal for a time, but circumstances at length cause some to forget the Master’s call, and they leave the work and return to their former occupation. Sometimes the Lord will meet them and with reproof redirect, Go labor in the vineyard; and they, seeing their error, return with new zeal to his work, to pursue it faithfully to the end. The simple narrative of Peter’s call is a marked illustration of this. In Matt. 4:18–20, we read that, “Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” There is nothing about these few simple declarations that is calculated to arrest the reader’s attention, but the narration by St. Luke and events recorded by St. John furnish items that make up a story of much interest and instruction. According to Luke’s narration, these fishermen had toiled all night without success, and, weary and disappointed, were washing their nets, when Jesus, pressed by the throng, drew near. He perceives, in these humble toilers, men that he can use, and it is his mind to call them to his work. But he will first convince these men that he is worthy. He enters Simon’s ship, and from its deck he speaks to the people on shore, with words such as never man spake. Peter listens, and as sentence after sentence falls from the master’s lips, Peter feels a strange fire burning in his breast. The sermon closed, the Saviour bids Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. Discouraged Peter is ready to say, It is useless. But the words he has heard have kindled the flame of faith, and he exclaims, Master, we have toiled all night for naught “Nevertheless at thy word, I will let down the net.” And now he beholds that which brings him down at Jesus’ feet, with a deep sense of his sinfulness, and the prayer, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” But Jesus has work for Peter to do. Peter is told to fear not, that from henceforth he shall catch men. And when they had brought their ship to land, they forsook all, and followed him. It is not to be supposed that there was no struggle in the heart of Peter, as he left his vessel and the nets full of fish. But he has seen enough to convince him that he who has thus bidden him is his Lord and Saviour, and he forsakes all. Eventful years were those three in which he followed the Master, hearing his words of wisdom, seeing the wonderful works he wrought, and learning more and more of his Master’s mind and the nature of work he is to engage in; happy years. But the time comes when a change takes place that fills the heart of ardent, loving Peter with sorrow, discouragement, and darkness. The Master, who bade him follow him, is betrayed and crucified, and laid in the tomb. For three days the disciples are left alone in uncertainty, fearing for their own lives and safety. The sight of the dear face of him they loved gladdens their hearts once more, but the uncertainty as to their future course remains. At a meeting of some of the disciples, they consider this matter. Peter’s mind is made up, and he declares, decidedly, “I go a fishing.” His words seem to settle the minds of the rest, who declare “We also go with thee.” No doubt they feel a degree of peace in their minds when the matter is thus settled. But the eye of the Master is upon them, and he brings about a train of circumstances that shall recall the past and remind Peter of his call and duty. As before, they toil all night and catch nothing. In the morning, Jesus calls to them, not harshly, not in tones of anger, but tenderly, as a kind father, “Children, have ye any meat?” No, is the reply. “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” They cast, therefore, and now they are not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. It is the Lord, says loving John to Peter. Impulsive Peter cannot wait for the ship to land, but plunges into the water in his excited haste to reach the Master. Joy fills his heart and drives all other thoughts from his mind. His net of fish by this second miracle is forgotten like the first, at the time of his call in the past, but Jesus will give him opportunity for reflection. Careful to have nothing neglected or wasted, he bids them care for the fish they have caught. Simon Peter carries out the command, and brings them to land—a profitable haul—one hundred and fifty and three great fishes; well calculated to satisfy Peter and to stir up the old fisher spirit in him. Little he dreams that a second test is before him, like unto the first. In silence they obey the invitation of the Saviour to “come and dine.” He careth well for his servants, and ministers to all their wants in due time. So now he fills these hungry men with food. The dinner over, in imagination I see Peter, still unreminded of his call and his duty, by the events that have just taken place, rising from the meal to attend to business by looking after the fish in the nets. But the voice of Jesus in solemn tones arrests him. Peter’s thoughts are of the fish, but the Master will open his eyes. Solemn words recall it all to Peter now, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” Oh! what a rebuke. The whole past rapidly comes up before him. The call, the promise that he should become a fisher of men, he now remembers. Ashamed, and sorry, he replies with voice trembling with emotion, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” My purpose in regard to you is unchanged. “I will make you a fisher of men.” “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel.” “Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldst; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not.” I offer thee not gold, or earthly honors for thy service, “Follow me.” The lesson taught us is plain. Has the Master called us, let us not turn back, but “Bear the cross with patience;
To fields of duty hie;
’Tis sweet to work for Jesus,
There’s resting by-and-by.”
H. C. MILLER.